Key Points:
- Police arrested a suspect in Gauteng following a major drug bust.
- A drug lab was uncovered, and drugs worth R1 million were seized.
- Authorities remain committed to dismantling drug operations.
A cross-border police operation led to the arrest of a suspect in Gauteng after officers discovered a drug lab and seized items worth over R1 million.
In a major crackdown on the illicit drug trade, a cross-border operation led by Western Cape Organised Crime Investigations and Head Office Narcotics uncovered a clandestine drug laboratory in Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng, on Friday.
Police spokesperson Lt. Col. Amanda van Wyk said the operation dismantled a large-scale drug manufacturing site. This resulted in the arrest of a 46-year-old suspect. It also led to the seizure of drugs and equipment worth more than R1 million.
Van Wyk said the operation was part of an ongoing investigation into a suspect linked to a drug dealing case in De Rust, Western Cape. Acting on intelligence, a multidisciplinary team—including detectives from Western Cape OCI, Gauteng Narcotics, West Rand K9 Unit, Garden Route District Crime Intelligence, and the Western Cape Drone Unit—collaborated to track the suspect’s movements and locations.
Officers first searched a property in South Crest, Alberton. There, they discovered an unlicensed firearm and more than 7,000 mandrax tablets with an estimated street value exceeding R560,000.
“The investigation did not end there,” van Wyk said. “Following up on additional leads, the team proceeded to a second location in Vanderbijlpark. They uncovered a fully operational drug laboratory.”
Authorities seized a tablet press, various chemicals, drug manufacturing equipment, and a quantity of mandrax powder and tablets valued at approximately R500,000.
The suspect is expected to appear in court next week on multiple charges, including possession, manufacturing, and dealing in drugs.
Police have emphasized their commitment to dismantling drug networks. They also urged the public to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.
