K9 Narco units discover & dismantle drug laboratory worth millions
ALBERTON – The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Gauteng Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni has commended members involved in dismantling a clandestine drug laboratory worth millions in Alberton on 7 June 2024, where eight suspects were arrested.
On 28 May 2024, Johannesburg K9 members received information on a suspected drug laboratory operating from certain premises in Alberton. Members during the following days held an observation on the premises and satisfied themselves that there was an illegal activity happening within those premises. The members approached National Counter Narcotics for assistance. Then proceeded to Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court to apply for a search warrant which was granted.
On 7 June 2024 at about 10:00, the team, Johannesburg K9 and National Counter Narcotics, executed the search warrant at the premises. The police found massive quantities of precursor chemicals for manufacturing drugs, drug manufacturing equipment and actual drugs. The members then withdrew from the house and called in the Forensic Crime Scene Management as well as the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation and the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority.
The police placed eight suspects found at the premises under arrest. They are facing possible charges of dealing in drugs and contravening Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act, Act 140 of 1992. The Provincial Commissioner has conveyed to the team his appreciation for their due diligence, patience and execution of the search warrant.
“This discovery and subsequent arrest of these alleged drug dealers and traffickers will have a positive impact on the streets of Gauteng. These suspects’ criminal dealings have been disrupted and we have definitely hit them hard in the pockets,” said Lt Gen Mthombeni.