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In a significant move against illegal drug operations, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, commonly known as the Hawks, have struck a blow to the drug trade infrastructure in the Western Cape. Acting jointly with the National Prosecuting Authority's (NPA) Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU), an order for the forfeiture of R173,080 was granted by the Western Cape division of the High Court. This order represents the material gain from illicit activities at a clandestine laboratory, a sire not only for illegal drug production but also for the distribution of scheduled medicines. The order was officially handed to the Hawks on October 15, 2024, following its issuance on September 16, 2024.
This development traces back to October 2022 when the Hawks' South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau (SANEB) acted on intelligence that led them to a commercial facility on 7th Avenue, Kensington. There, a multi-faceted illicit operation was unearthed during a comprehensive search and seizure action. The presence of three males at the scene did not thwart the discovery of narcotics, potentially lethal substances, and paraphernalia indicative of both trade and substance abuse.
Notably, the array of drugs confiscated by the SANEB team included high-value and highly addictive substances such as Cocaine, Magic Mushrooms, Ecstasy, Mandrax tablets, Cannabis, and Crystal Methamphetamine, colloquially known as "tik." The estimated street value of these drugs startlingly reached R2.4 million, underscoring the scale of the illegal activity.
The capture of the suspects was not without its dramatic moments. Amidst the law enforcement operation, an attempt at corruption was made by one of the apprehended offenders, as they sought to derail justice with a sizable cash bribe. Commendably, the integrity of the SAPS officer held firm, culminating in the arrest of Rowhan Rhoode, Lee Dixson, and Marco Swain, who now face the prospect of their impending trial on November 1, 2024.
The forfeiture of the cash sum of R173,080, found amid the criminal evidence — partly stashed in a bag and partly in the wallet of an accused — exemplifies the consequences of engaging in such illicit enterprises. This monetary sum, now reclaimed, sends a potent message of intolerance towards the perpetuation of the drug trade within South African communities.
As the trial date looms, the involved agencies continue the relentless pursuit of justice, showcasing commitment to dismantling the illegal drug trade and holding offenders accountable. The forfeiture order is just a milestone in the journey towards a drug-free society.