Drug-manufacturing equipment were found at a commercial property on Riverhorse Place, Newlands East, Durban
Image: SAPS
A commercial property in Durban linked to a clandestine drug manufacturing operation has been forfeited to the state and will be sold at auction.
The Durban High Court granted the forfeiture order on Tuesday, transferring ownership of the Newlands East property to the state. The Hawks said the property is valued at approximately R32 million.
Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Simphiwe Mhlongo said members of the Provincial Organised Crime unit, working with the eThekwini District Task Team, executed a search warrant at Riverhorse Place in March 2024.
He said officers discovered two drug compressor machines, a drug mixer, plastic packets suspected to contain methaqualone powder, and 20 litres of unidentified chemical liquids.
A foreign national found on the premises was arrested and charged with being in the country illegally.
Mhlongo said the scene was subsequently handed over to the Hawks’ Durban Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit.
The case was referred to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) Asset Forfeiture Investigation unit, which worked with the National Prosecuting Authority to obtain a preservation order ahead of the final forfeiture.
Mhlongo said the property will now be auctioned, with proceeds first covering curator fees and municipal costs.
He said the remaining balance, estimated at approximately R15.3 million, will be paid into the Criminal Assets Recovery Account.
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