Hawks Probe Standerton Drug Lab Connection
Three suspects — two men aged 26 and 44, and a 23-year-old woman — have been arrested after drugs with an estimated street value of R2 million, along with R7 000 in cash, were recovered in Sakhile, Standerton, on 8 August 2025.
nnnnThe Hawks’ Secunda-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit, working with the Standerton K9 Unit, acted on intelligence about suspects allegedly dealing in drugs at a specific premises in Sakhile township.
nnnnWhen officers executed the operation, they discovered drugs concealed in two vehicles — a KwaZulu-Natal registered BMW and a Gauteng registered VW Polo. Two safes were also seized from the property. Upon opening them, large quantities of drugs were found, including Kat, Mandrax, and crystal meth.
nnnnThe Hawks in Mpumalanga are investigating potential links between the recovered drugs and the clandestine laboratory and warehouse uncovered earlier this year.
nnnnThe combined value of the recovered drugs, vehicles, and equipment is estimated at R2.5 million.
nnnnThe suspects are scheduled to appear before the Standerton Magistrate’s Court on 11 August 2025.
nnnnProvincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Nico Gerber, praised the team’s continued success in dismantling drug operations.
nnnn“The Hawks have intensified efforts to target the manufacturing and distribution of drugs in the area. These recent successes are a testament to our commitment. We will never relent in our fight to curb this scourge,” Gerber said.
nnnnEnquiries: Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi – 071 481 3437
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