Five men arrested after the discovery of a clandestine drug manufacturing laboratory with an estimated street value of R100 million at a farm in Hekpoort, near Krugersdorp, have appeared in court.
Trent Coetzer, 36, Nakedi Makwesi, 44, Evan-Lee Mohapi, 25, Donell Coetzer, 28, and Lyle Johnson, 21, appeared before the Krugersdorp Magistrates’ Court on Monday on 12 October.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority’s Gauteng Division in Johannesburg spokesperson, Magaboke Mohlatlole, the five accused face charges relating to the manufacturing of and dealing in illegal drugs.
The accused were arrested after law enforcement authorities received information about suspected illegal drug manufacturing activities at the farm.
Following the issuing of a search warrant, officers conducted an operation at the premises, where they discovered the clandestine drug laboratory and arrested the five men.
The operation was led by the Hawks’ Narcotics Bureau in collaboration with the South African Police Service’s Head Office Crime Intelligence, the Special Task Force and the West Rand K-9 Unit.
Preliminary estimates place the value of the laboratory and its contents at approximately R100 million.
The matter was postponed to October 21 for the verification of the accused’s residential addresses and a formal bail application.
All five accused remain in custody.
The NPA said it remained committed to working with law enforcement agencies to combat organised crime and ensure that those involved in the manufacture and distribution of illegal drugs were held accountable.
