Hawks dismantle drug laboratory in kempton park.

Drugs and drug manufacturing chemicals worth about R20-million were confiscated during the early hours of this morning when the South African Police Service members pounced on a drug laboratory in Kempton Park.

In the process, a 27year-old Nigerian was arrested. The discovery was made by the Hawks Unit based in Pretoria working in close collaboration with their Crime Intelligence colleagues during an intelligence-driven sting dubbed Operation Basi.

During the operation, 55kg of Ephedrine (a chemical that is critical in the manufacture of the drug), finished products of crystal methamphetamine (commonly known as Tik) and drug-making equipment was confiscated by the

SAPS' Forensic Science Laboratory for further analysis.  The arrested Nigerian is believed to be part of a syndicate dealing in drugs within Johannesburg's Kempton Park and surrounding areas.

The head of Pretoria Organised Crime Unit, Colonel Cry Senona, applauded the officers for acting swiftly after receiving reliable adding that more arrests are expected soon.

"It is through effective collaboration between the police and the general public that SAPS will come any close to winning the war on drugs and ultimately, address the crime problem in this country," he said.

The suspect is currently in police custody and will be appearing before the Kempton park magistrate's court soon.

Statement issued by Captain Paul Ramaloko, South African Police Service, July 30 2010

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