Hon Speaker, on 20 August 2010 the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation unit in the North West province busted an illegal drug manufacturing laboratory in Witkoppies, Klerksdorp.
In this bust, chemicals, raw materials and equipment used to manufacture drugs were found. Alarmingly, 21 kg of final product, suspected to be crystal methamphetamine, better known on the street as ice or tik, with an estimated street value of R10 million, was seized.
This bust followed an intensive undercover investigation conducted after the police's elite unit was tipped off by the public. Two suspects, a 27- year-old and a 28-year-old, were arrested and appeared in the Klerksdorp Magistrate's court on Monday, 23 August.
As the ANC, we want to congratulate the Hawks and the SA Police Service on their sterling work. We are all aware that drug abuse is a major contributor to the violence and abuse found in society, especially of women and children. This bust has prevented a huge amount of drugs going out onto our streets and contributing to the demise of our communities. We wish the Hawks and the SA Police Service well with their further investigations.
As Parliament, we would like to see all those involved in the illegal manufacturing and trade of these dangerous substances arrested and prosecuted. Thank you. [Applause.]