R80mil drug lab raided, 2 arrested in Douglasdale
Gauteng Police have made a significant bust, uncovering a drug lab valued at approximately R80 million.
The Gauteng police, working through the Organised Crime Unit and PES Flexi, discovered a drug lab containing drugs and processing machinery valued at an estimated R80 million in Douglasdale on August 22.
Read more: Police rescue kidnapped businessman, arrest 11 suspects, and seize R300m worth of drugs
Gauteng Police have through organised crime and intelligence operations discovered a drug lab worth an estimated R80 million in Douglasdale. An estimated R10 mill worth of mandrax tablets have been seized. The Provincial Commisioner of GP, Lt Gen Tommy Mthombeni is at the scene. pic.twitter.com/ICmq84kpc6
— Athlenda Mathe (@AthlendaM) August 22, 2024
During the operation, authorities also confiscated two unlicensed firearms, high-caliber ammunition, pellet guns, and replica firearms.
In addition, two suspects were apprehended at the premises.
Also read: Drug buster presenter Xolani Khumalo’s life allegedly under threat
A deeper look into the affluent suburbs a lot more of these drug labs could be discovered.
— Stay shining. 🇸🇩🇨🇩🇾🇪🇸🇸 (@ThulaniSundu) August 22, 2024
Captain Mavela Masondo, the police spokesperson said the police had been observing and monitoring the plot of land where suspicious activities were taking place.
“Police then 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 exceptional work carried out by the team that uncovered the illicit drug laboratory.
“More than 10 drug labs have been discovered by the police in Gauteng in the last five months. This is evidence 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.
Masondo said 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.
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