A multi-million-rand commercial property in Durban has been forfeited to the state after it was found to be operating as a clandestine drug laboratory.
The Durban High Court granted the final forfeiture order on Tuesday, following a police raid conducted two years ago.
During the operation, law enforcement officers uncovered drug manufacturing equipment, along with suspected methaqualone powder and various chemical substances at the R32 million property.
The case was subsequently handed over to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, commonly known as the Hawks, while the Asset Forfeiture Unit, working alongside the National Prosecuting Authority, successfully secured the forfeiture.
KwaZulu-Natal Hawks spokesperson Simphiwe Mhlongo said the property will now be auctioned, with proceeds to be deposited into the Criminal Assets Recovery Account.
Mhlongo explained that outstanding costs, including municipal charges for water and electricity as well as curator fees, will be deducted from the sale.
Authorities say the forfeiture underscores ongoing efforts to dismantle organised crime operations and recover assets linked to illegal activities.