Some of the drugs and recovered items.
Image: SAPS/Facebook
Four accused - Patricia Pillay, Emmanuel Onyia, Paul Ezeama and Zanele Namo - appeared in the Benoni Magistrate's Court on Monday facing multiple drug-related and money laundering charges.
They were arrested in Gauteng, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal by members of the North West Hawks and Pretoria-based Hawks' Tactical Operations Management Section (TOMS).
Their arrest stems from a lengthy investigation conducted by members of the Serious Organised Crime Investigation into an alleged syndicate involved in drug trafficking and money laundering in the North West, Gauteng, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal.
An extensive investigation culminated in a takedown operation conducted between March 27 and 29 across three provinces.
According to a statement by the APS, the operation started in Springs and Benoni in Gauteng, where Onyia, 44, an alleged kingpin, was arrested along with his accomplice, Ezeama, 52.
"A search and seizure operation was conducted at Onyia's property where suspected cocaine, CAT, full moon tablets, phenacetin, pots and electronic scale were seized. Recovered drugs and chemicals are estimated at R200 000.
"Pillay (31) and Namo (32) were arrested on Saturday and Sunday in Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal, respectively. They were charged with money laundering after financial investigation conducted by the Hawks' Priority Crime Specialised Investigation linked them to Onyia."
The accused were remanded in custody and will reappear in the same court on April 13 for bail application.