By Bhekizenzo Zonele
Five suspects accused of operating a R100 million illegal drug manufacturing laboratory in Hekpoort, near Krugersdorp, will remain behind bars after appearing briefly before the Krugersdorp Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
Trent Coetzer (36), Nakedi Makwesi (44), Evan-Lee Mohapi (25), Donell Coetzer (28) and Lyle Johnson (21) appeared before the court on charges of manufacturing and dealing in illegal drugs.
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The matter was postponed to 21 October for the verification of the accused’s residential addresses and formal bail applications.
The arrests followed an intelligence-driven operation on 8 October, when police executed a search warrant at a farm in Hekpoort and uncovered a suspected drug manufacturing laboratory.
The operation was led by the Hawks’ South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau (SANEB), working alongside SAPS Head Office Crime Intelligence, the Special Task Force and the West Rand K-9 Unit.
Officers discovered Mandrax and ecstasy tablets, together with drug manufacturing equipment.
Police preliminarily valued the laboratory and its contents at about R100 million.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) communications officer Magaboke Mohlatlole said in a statement that the prosecution would continue working with law enforcement agencies to tackle organised crime.
“The National Prosecuting Authority remains committed to working closely with law enforcement agencies to combat organised crime and to ensure that those involved in the manufacture and distribution of illegal drugs are held accountable before the law,” Mohlatlole said.
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Hawks probe possible links between drug laboratories
The Hawks are investigating whether recently uncovered drug laboratories across the country are connected, including possible links between suspects, the sources of chemicals and the ownership of properties used for drug production.
According to the Hawks, 11 suspected drug laboratories have been uncovered nationwide this year, resulting in the arrest of more than 30 suspects.
Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale said SANEB was working to establish links between the operations.
“SANEB is working around the clock to connect as to where do these people come from, where is it that these chemicals that are being found in the many drug labs come from,” Mogale said.
Investigators are also examining the ownership of properties where the laboratories were discovered as they seek to establish possible connections between the operations.
Major drug busts across the country
The Krugersdorp bust follows several major drug-related arrests this year.
In August, police uncovered a suspected crystal methamphetamine manufacturing laboratory on a farm in Musina, Limpopo, where drugs and equipment valued at about R600 million were seized.
In September, another suspected Mandrax manufacturing laboratory was discovered in Erasmia, Pretoria, where two foreign nationals were arrested.
Deputy National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Tebello Mosikili said the facility was allegedly producing about 800,000 Mandrax tablets a day.
More recently, on 6 October, four suspects were arrested at a property in Scheerpoort near Hartbeespoort Dam in North West, where police discovered suspected drug manufacturing equipment, processed drugs, a drug production mixture and four firearms.
