million
18 May 2007
After the successful burning of drugs worth R364 million this week in Cape
Town, the Directorate of Special Operations (Scorpions) will today destroy
another loot worth R800 million.
The Scorpions earlier this month seized 5 tons of a chemical substance used
to manufacture illicit drugs.
During investigations in early May 2007, Scorpions investigators intercepted
5 tons of a chemical substance 0-Toluidine which is used to manufacture
Mandrax.
Experts in the chemistry field estimate that the chemical seized would have
manufactured 20 million Mandrax tablets with a street value of approximately
R800 million.
This is the second largest seizure since the Scorpions seized about 3 tons
of Methaqualone at the Durban Harbour in July 2003 with a street value of R3
billion.
O-Toluidine is a substance monitored and controlled by the International
Trade Administration Act and is a listed chemical in the executive summary of
chemicals in the South African Police Service practical guide to precursor
control in Southern Africa. This guide is in keeping with the United Nations
Convention against the illicit trafficking in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic
substances of 1998.
The investigation is ongoing. Drugs will be destroyed at 20 Keramiek Street,
Olifantsfontein, Johannesburg later today.
The Scorpions are committed in its fight against organised crime, in
particular the interception and investigation of drug syndicates.
Enquiries:
Lucinda Moonieya
Tel: 012 845 6123
Cell: 082 926 7738
E-mail: media@npa.gov.za
Issued: National Prosecuting Authority
18 May 2007
Source: National Prosecuting Authority (http://www.npa.gov.za/)
