Police bust drug lab valued at R80 million in Joburg

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Two illegal immigrants were arrested on Thursday during a drug lab bust at a plot in Douglasdale, Johannesburg.

The police said they discovered drugs and processing machinery to the estimated value of R80 million.

Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo revealed that at the premises, they also found two unlicensed firearms, ammunition of high caliber firearms, pullet guns, and replica firearms.

He stated that the police have been observing and monitoring a plot where suspicious activities were taking place.

“On Thursday morning, the police 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,” Lt Col Masondo added.

Gauteng provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni has applauded the team that discovered the drug lab.

Ten drug labs discovered in the last five months

“More than ten drug labs have been discovered by the police in Gauteng in the last five months. This is evidence enough 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.

The arrested suspects will appear before the local magistrate’s court in due course.

They are facing charges that include manufacturing of drugs, possession of unlicensed firearms, and possession of ammunition. 

Meanwhile, twelve suspected illegal miners were nabbed on Thursday, during the Vala Umgodi operation in Bleskop near Rustenburg.

They were remanded in custody until Tuesday, 3 September.

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According to North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone, the accused appeared in the Rustenburg magistrates’ court on Monday, for possession of copper cables and contravention of the Immigration Act. 

“The accused include five Zimbabweans and seven Mozambicans were arrested.

“During the arrest, the police seized illegal mining equipment that included five generators, water pump, five jack hammers, garden spades, pound hammers and a battery,” he concluded.