SAPS destroy 800kg of drugs worth about R340 million

Eight-hundred kilograms of drugs worth about R340 million were destroyed at a facility in Cape Town on Friday.

COURTESY: X - @SAPoliceService

National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, presided over the drugs destruction process that were seized during policing operations in the Western and Eastern Cape. 

‘’The South African Police Service (SAPS) plays a crucial role in the fight against drug-related crimes, with a strong focus on supply reduction, as outlined in the National Drug Master Plan. As part of our ongoing efforts, the SAPS regularly confiscates illicit drugs and illegal pharmaceutical products through special operations, investigations, and the dismantling of clandestine laboratories,’’ said Masemola.

He said confiscated substances that form part of criminal investigations undergo forensic analysis by SAPS’ Forensic Science Laboratory Chemistry Section. Masemola said over the past three years, various types of drugs worth R5.2 billion were destroyed.

‘’This is our second visit at this plant in the last 12 months. About a year ago, we gathered at this very plant to destroy R550 million worth of drugs… This R5.2 billion includes drugs that were confiscated nationally during the 2022/2023 financial year which was approximately 20.8 tons of drug exhibit material.’’

‘’In the 2023/2024 financial year, approximately 14.5 tons have been destroyed and in this financial year, which is the 2024/2025 financial year, approximately 15.2 tons have been destroyed to date, excluding today,’’

‘’Ladies and gentlemen, today presents an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate a significant achievement in the fight against drug-related crimes. The values and sentences associated with these cases are a testament to the dedication and effectiveness of law enforcement efforts,’’ added General Fannie Masemola, National Police Commissioner.

COURTESY: X - @SAPoliceService

He said all drug exhibit materials approved for destruction on Friday morning all underwent a thorough auditing process.

‘’These exhibits are verified against the destruction authority within the system, and a secondary audit is conducted by the Component: Quality Management before the final destruction to ensure full compliance with prescribed standards.’’

‘’Our Forensic Science Laboratory: Chemistry Section plays a critical role in analysing confiscated substances and providing courts with scientific reports that detail: The type of drug; The quantity of the drug; The classification of the drug as per relevant legislation.’’

‘’Today, the Forensic Science Laboratories in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape will oversee the destruction of approximately 800 kilograms of illicit drugs through incineration. These substances and drugs include Methaqualone (Mandrax), Methamphetamine (Tik), Cocaine, and various other narcotics.’’

COURTESY: X - @SAPoliceService

One of the significant cases included in Friday's destruction process is the Swartkops case, which involved the seizure of 513 kilograms of pure cocaine, with an estimated street value of R220 million. This case had far-reaching international implications, as several suspects were arrested in Brazil as part of a collaborative effort to dismantle a major transnational drug trafficking network.

‘’The success of this case highlights SAPS’ role in global crime-fighting initiatives, reinforcing its commitment to working alongside international law enforcement agencies to combat organized crime and the global drug trade,’’

‘’The safety and well-being of our communities remain the SAPS top priority. The destruction of drug exhibits is conducted in strict compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Environmental Management Act, ensuring that all processes adhere to the highest safety and environmental standards,’’ added General Fannie Masemola, National Police Commissioner.

 

Done By: Mitchum George