In a significant victory against the illicit drug trade, a collaborative cross-border operation spearheaded by the Western Cape Organised Crime Investigations (OCI) and Head Office Narcotics led to the discovery of a clandestine drug laboratory in Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng on Friday.
Police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk, said the police operation, which dismantled a substantial drug manufacturing operation, resulted in the arrest of a 46-year-old suspect and the seizure of drugs and equipment valued at over R1 million.
Van Wyk, said the success follows an intensive investigation focusing on a wanted suspect connected to a drug dealing case in De Rust, Western Cape. Acting on solid intelligence, a multi-disciplinary team comprising detectives from various branches including Western Cape OCI, Gauteng Narcotics, West Rand K9 Unit, Garden Route District Crime Intelligence, and the Western Cape Drone Unit coordinated their efforts to target locations linked to the suspect.
“The operation led officers to an address in South Crest, Alberton, where a search of the suspect’s premises and vehicle resulted in the seizure of an unlicensed firearm and over 7,000 mandrax tablets worth more than R560,000,” she said.
However, she said the investigation didn’t stop there. Following up on leads, the team moved to a property in Vanderbijlpark, where they uncovered a fully operational drug laboratory.
“Seized items included a tablet press, various chemicals, drug manufacturing equipment, and a quantity of mandrax powder and mandrax tablets with an estimate value of R500,000,” she added.
The arrested suspect is anticipated to make an appearance in court next week, facing serious charges that include possession, dealing, and the manufacturing of drugs.
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