The Hawks along with the SAPS have raided a Chatsworth property where a drug lab was allegedly operating from.
Image: SABC News
Law enforcement agencies, who are taking aim at the illegal narcotics trade in KwaZulu-Natal, raided a residential property in Chatsworth, which is suspected to be a drug lab, early on Wednesday morning.
The police said the operation, which is the culmination of a long-term investigation that began in 2023, involved a coordinated effort between the Hawks (DPCI Port Shepstone), Metro Police Drug Team, and SAPS KZN Crime Intelligence.
Authorities confirmed the arrest of a 32-year-old male suspect found inside the premises. He is currently facing charges related to drug dealing.
Warrant Officer Sibu Ncane, speaking from the active scene, said that police suspected the property had an illegal drug lab.
"This particular residential property is said to have a lab at the back of the house," Ncane said. "There are small machines where we can see that these machines are being used to produce the drugs, and there are machines for counting money and other packaging stuff inside."
While police could not yet confirm the exact street value or quantity of the seized narcotics, they confirmed the recovery of suspected "main drugs" and cocaine.
In an apparent bid to evade prosecution, individuals inside the house allegedly attempted to destroy evidence as police breached the property.
"It seems there was someone from inside who was busy flushing (items down) the toilet."
The sheer volume of discarded narcotics forced officers to open a manhole on the property to recover the evidence being washed into the sewage system.
The raid is part of a broader crackdown on a syndicate believed to be distributing drugs across several high-profile areas in the eThekwini municipality, including:
While reports suggest the owner of the property may be linked to a larger organised crime network, Ncane remained cautious about commenting on this, noting that the investigation is still unfolding.
"Our investigation is still in progress. I think the investigation will determine if we can link additional suspects," he added.
The scene remains active as forensic teams continue to process the laboratory equipment and document the seized items.
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