Hawks Freeze R178 Million In Assets Linked To Alleged Standerton Drug Operation

The Hawks in Mpumalanga have frozen assets worth more than R178 million as part of an investigation into an alleged large-scale drug operation in Standerton.

The preservation order, secured this week, covers three properties, including a farm where investigators allege mandrax tablets were manufactured.

Authorities also seized 12 luxury vehicles and more than R3 million in cash during the investigation.

Drug Labs Uncovered In April

The alleged drug laboratories were uncovered in April after officials discovered industrial equipment and chemicals at the premises.

Nine suspects were arrested in connection with the investigation, including six Mozambican nationals and three South Africans.

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One of the suspects has since died, while another allegedly absconded after being released on bail.

The remaining suspects are facing legal proceedings linked to the investigation.

NPA Vows To Pursue Criminal Assets

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said the preservation order forms part of efforts to prevent organised crime from benefiting financially from alleged unlawful activities.

NPA spokesperson Monica Nyuswa said:

“The NPA and Hawks remain committed to using [their] powers to preserve, recover and, ultimately, forfeit assets linked to criminal conduct, ensuring that organised crime does not profit from unlawful activities.”

The preservation order allows the authorities to safeguard the identified assets while the criminal investigation and related legal proceedings continue.