By: Bright Ntuli
KwaZulu-Natal Hawks Warrant Officer Karl Sander has told the Madlanga Commission that fumes emitted from large quantities of seized Mandrax tablets can pose serious health risks to law enforcement officials and others handling the drugs.
Sander explained that police exhibit bags used to store confiscated substances contain micro-perforations that allow the contents to breathe. As a result, fumes from the drugs can potentially escape and spread into surrounding areas.
He testified that several police officers and customs officials involved in a major drug seizure became ill after being exposed to the substances. According to Sander, some of those affected required hospital treatment due to the severity of their symptoms.
The testimony forms part of the commission’s ongoing inquiry into matters related to the handling and storage of seized narcotics and their potential impact on the health and safety of officials tasked with managing evidence.
