Police dismantle illegal drug manufacturing laboratory worth R5 million, Vanderbijlpark

✔ Fact Checked by TDPel News Desk

By Samantha Allen

Published: March 11, 2022 | 10:08 AM

The trio’s apprehension emanated from a search and seizure operation conducted by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation in Germiston, Counter Narcotics, Crime Intelligence, Head Office and West Rand K9 on Tuesday, 8 March 2022.

The investigation team kept surveillance at a positively identified premises where suspected drug activities were reported at Ardenworld in the Vanderbijlpark area.

A search and seizure operation was executed where the suspects were pounced on allegedly manufacturing mandrax powder in the premises.

The trio, Lawrence Tumela Mokeona (27), Delligs Sapoenda (23), and Zandiwe Banda (29) were immediately apprehended and charged.

Electronic gadgets, mandrax powder and drug manufacturing equipment with an estimated street value of R5 Million were seized for further investigation.

The court remanded the accused in custody pending investigation and the case is postponed to Wednesday, 16 March 2022 for Mokoena’s formal bail application.

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About Samantha Allen

Samantha Allen is a seasoned journalist and senior correspondent at TDPel Media, specializing in the intersection of maternal health, clinical wellness, and public policy. With a background in investigative reporting and a passion for data-driven storytelling, Samantha has become a trusted voice for expectant mothers and healthcare advocates worldwide. Her work focuses on translating complex medical research into actionable insights, covering everything from prenatal fitness and neonatal care to the socioeconomic impacts of healthcare legislation. At TDPel Media, Samantha leads the agency's health analytics desk, ensuring that every report is grounded in accuracy, empathy, and scientific integrity. When she isn't in the newsroom, she is an advocate for community-led wellness initiatives and an avid explorer of California’s coastal trails.