R80m drug lab raided, 2 arrested in Douglasdale

The Gauteng police, through the Organised Crime Unit and PES Flexi, yesterday discovered a drug lab containing drugs and processing machinery valued at an estimated R80m in Douglasdale, Sandton.

During the operation, authorities also confiscated two unlicensed firearms, high-calibre ammunition, pellet guns, and replica firearms.

Additionally, two suspects were apprehended at the premises.

Police spokesperson Captain Mavela Masondo 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.”

A deeper look into the affluent suburbs a lot more of these drug labs could be discovered.

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Gauteng police 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 Mthombeni.

Masondo said the arrested suspects will appear in the local magistrate’s court in due course, facing charges that include manufacturing of drugs, possession of unlicensed firearms, and possession of ammunition.