SA 'a haven for drug lords'

2004-03-08 22:52

Elsabe Brits

Cape Town - Mandrax-dealing is the single biggest source of income for numerous organised crime syndicates in South Africa, according to a new report issued by the International Narcotics Control Strategy.

The report, issued recently in the United States, said there were about 226 syndicates in South Africa.

At least 120 of these are involved in drug smuggling. Most of the syndicates are controlled by Nigerians, Pakistanis and Indians.

It was also found South Africa was the largest user of Mandrax in the world.

The report stated there was also reliable evidence to prove that South Africa was used as a corridor in smuggling cocaine, from South America, and heroin, from the Far East, to Europe.

The report also said that after South Africa's democracy, imports rose, but that "holes" formed along the borders - and was coupled with an overloaded justice system.

Fourth-largest dagga producer

"This makes South Africa attractive to international crime syndicates," said the report.

These syndicates are also involved in vehicle thefts. Stolen vehicles are shipped out of the country and swapped for drugs in other countries.

In addition to this, South Africa is the fourth-largest producer of dagga in the world. However, the country is starting to export more synthetic drugs.

The use of cocaine and crack is also on the increase, according to the report.

But the Scorpions have been successful in their anti-drug operations.

In July 2003, four tons of Mandrax powder was seized - the largest in South Africa's history.

In November last year, the Scorpions destroyed five million Mandrax tablets.

- Die Burger