Media Statement from KwaZulu Natal Media Centre

Corporate Communication

South African Police Service

01 December 2013

In a national Crime Intelligence driven operation, the SAPS Counter Narcotics team has uncovered a major drug lab in Alexander Drive, in Gillitts, KwaZulu-Natal last night at approximately 20:00.

The team followed up on intelligence of the manufacture of heroin straws which led them to an elite house in the Gillitts area, just outside Pinetown.

The nineteen men arrested are all foreign nationals of ages between 18 and 37 years. They are likely to face charges of possession and dealing in drugs. The entire operation, we estimate, has a street value of over R41 million which consists of R21.4 million worth of heroin straws, R4.1 million of mandrax tablets, R15 million of heroin powder and equipment.

The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Mmamonnye Ngobeni congratulated members of the Durban Organised Crime Unit and Crime Intelligence for the breakthrough. "It is very evident that these individuals are preparing themselves for what they see as an increase in demand for drugs during this Festive Season. We are pleased that the multi-disciplinary approach that we have adopted is bearing fruits and stopping criminals in their track. This is the largest drug bust for KwaZulu-Natal and shows that we are turning the tide when it comes to drug dealing," she said.

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Media Enquiries:

Colonel Jay Naicker

082 556 7865

KwaZulu-Natal: Media Centre

South African Police Service

Corporate Communication

031 325 6083/6084/6085

031 325 6087

kzn.mediacentre@saps.gov.za