The Asset Forfeiture Unit has obtained a preservation order against a Gqeberha businesswoman who the state alleges operated a drug manufacturing facility from a rented property in Walmer Heights.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson, Anelisa Ngcakani, said the state further alleges that the property in Beethoven Avenue was also being used as a base “for an organised crime syndicate.”
She said the preservation order granted by the High Court on Tuesday was for R372 055.80.
Ngcakani said that the order was obtained in terms of section 38 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act following a search of the property on 24 June “following a tip-off by members of the public.”
She said during the search authorities recovered 13 firearms and 6 magazines for pistols, as well as 300 rounds of ammunition.
According to a supporting affidavit from the Regional Head of the Asset Forfeiture Unit, Dr Chris Ndzengu, large quantities of Mandrax tablets, dagga, “Tik”, Ecstacy tablets and 1000 Stilpane tablets were also seized.
Other items confiscated included cash, 5.8 kilograms of a yet unknown white power as well as pieces of ivory.
“Dr Ndzengu said the street value of the contraband is R3 500 000.”
Ngcakani said the Beethoven Avenue property was being rented by the owner of Madeira Liquor store in North End, Viwe Veronica Yamani.
The owner of the house is Pierre Barnard.
According to Dr Ndzengu, Ms Yamani is the only known person to have an interest in the money.
She now has 14 days to oppose the granting of a forfeiture order.
Should she fail and/or neglect to do so, the money will be forfeited to the State via a further forfeiture application in terms of POCA and shall be transferred into the Criminal Assets Recovery Account.”
Ngckani said the “ State will argue that the premises were utilised as a drug manufacturing facility and as a base for an organised crime syndicate.”
Yamani has not yet been arrested or charged as the investigation is ongoing.
