Drug-manufacturing equipment
Image: SAPS
A Durban commercial property used as a secret drug laboratory has been forfeited to the state, with plans for an upcoming auction.
The Durban High Court granted the forfeiture order on Tuesday, handing the property in Newlands East to the state, the Hawks said. It is valued at approximately R32m.
Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Simphiwe Mhlongo said members of the Provincial Organised Crime unit, working together with the eThekwini District Task Team, had executed a search warrant at Riverhorse Place in March 2024.
"Police found two drug compressor machines, one drug mixer machine, plastic packets suspected to contain methaqualone powder and twenty litres of unknown liquid chemicals," Mhlongo said.
A foreign national found on the premises was arrested and charged for being in the country illegally.
The scene was then handed over to Hawks members from Durban Serious Organised Crime Investigation.
The matter was referred to the DPCI Asset Forfeiture Investigation unit, which worked with the National Prosecuting Authority to secure a preservation order before the final forfeiture was granted on Tuesday.
Mhlongo said the property would be auctioned and the proceeds used to cover the curator's costs and municipal utilities.
The remaining amount of approximately R15.3m will be paid into the Criminal Assets Recovery Account.