KWAZULU-NATAL – Members of the Hawks Drug Enforcement Bureau have made yet another breakthrough following the recovery of 140 kilograms of ephedrine.
The Hawks members received information on Friday evening about the suspected drugs in a container, on a vessel which was going to dock at the at Durban harbor.
Upon arrival the same night, Hawks members with the assistance of SARS Customs officials, Shongweni K9 Unit and the SAPS Operational Response Services (ORS) offloaded the container and managed to seize approximately 140 kilograms of ephedrine found hidden in the bags containing pepper. The street value of the seized drugs is estimated at R3 million.
Ephedrine is a Schedule 6 substance in South Africa, meaning a prescription is required to get any medication containing it. Ephedrine, or pseudoephedrine, which is used in some cold and flu medications, can be used in the manufacture of crystal methamphetamine or tik.
The National Head of the DPCI Lieutenant General Mthandazo Ntlemeza has commended all law enforcement agencies for working together to target organized crime.
“This is another huge blow to the drug dealers and importers who cause so much damage in our communities. I applaud everyone who was involved for their meticulous work. It is a great example of our continued success in targeting organised crime and working hard to keep this harmful drugs off our streets. “This sends a very strong signal to criminals that the Government is serious about taking away the profits of crime and putting the gangs out of business,” said Lieutenant General Ntlemeza.
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