MPUMALANGA – A 30-year-old suspect was arrested during a multidisciplinary intelligence driven disruptive search and seizure operation conducted by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team in Nelspruit together with White River K9 on Friday, 23 September 2022 aiming at eradicating the manufacturing of drugs within the community of Barberton.

The arrest follows an intelligence about a plot in Barberton where drugs are being manufactured and peddled. The team acquired an authorization from court to enter, search and seize every item which is drug related.

On arrival at the identified address, the team found the trees of dagga, bottles containing dry dagga and dagga seeds. The suspect was immediately arrested, charged accordingly and detained pending his first court appearance at the Nelspruit Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 26 September 2022. Exhibits were seized for further laboratory investigation.

The Hawks’ Provincial Head, Major General Zodwa Mokoena cherished the collaboration of the team by ensuring that drug laboratories are dismantled and suspects are brought to book.

Source: South African Police Service