SAPS discover a drug lab to the estimated value of R80 million
PARKTOWN – Gauteng police have through Organised Crime Unit and PES Flexi discovered a drug lab, with drugs and processing machinery to the estimated value of R80 million at a plot in Douglasdale, Johannesburg, on Thursday, 22 August 2024. At the premises, police also found two unlicensed firearms, ammunition of high caliber firearms, pullet guns, and replica firearms. Two illegal immigrants who were found at the premises were arrested.
The police have been observing and monitoring a plot where suspicious activities were taking place. On Thursday morning, the police executed a search warrant where they discovered that the premises were used to manufacture drugs. Chemicals used to manufacture drugs, machinery, and finished products were found at the premises. Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni applauded the team that discovered the drug lab.
“More than ten (10) drug labs have been discovered by the police in Gauteng in the last five months. This is evidence enough that we are making inroads in identifying and dismantling drug labs in our province. I am proud of my members who have been working with diligence to identify and close down the existing drug labs in our province, said Lieutenant General Mthombeni.
The arrested suspects will appear before the local Magistrate’s Court in due course facing charges that include manufacturing of drugs, possession of unlicensed firearms, and possession of ammunition.