8 arrested in Alberton drug lab worth millions
Johannesburg K9 Unit and National Counter Narcotics dismantled a multimillion-rand drug lab in Alberton, arresting eight suspects on charges of drug dealing and trafficking.
Eight arrests have been made after police discovered a clandestine drug laboratory worth millions in Alberton on June 7.
Gauteng police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili said the Johannesburg K9 members received information on May 28 about a suspected drug laboratory 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,” she said.
Muridili said 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 June 7 at about 10:00, the 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,” Muridili said.
The team withdrew from the house and called in Forensic Crime Scene Management, 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. The suspects will soon appear in the Magistrate Court and will be facing potential charges of drug dealing and violating the 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 hit them hard in the pockets,” said Lt Gen Mthombeni.
