Five Arrested After Suspected Multi-Million-Rand Drug Lab Found In Krugersdorp
Five South African nationals have been arrested after police uncovered a suspected drug manufacturing laboratory at a farm in Krugersdorp, where quantities of Mandrax and ecstasy tablets were found.
Five people have been arrested following the discovery of a suspected multi-million-rand drug manufacturing laboratory at a farm in Krugersdorp, Gauteng.
The laboratory was uncovered on Thursday during an intelligence-driven operation involving members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Intelligence unit and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, commonly known as the Hawks.
According to national police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, officers found quantities of Mandrax and ecstasy tablets at the premises.
Five South African nationals who were at the property were arrested.
Senior SAPS officers were expected to assess the facility further as investigators continued working at the scene. Police said the premises remained an active crime scene.
Police Investigate Suspected Drug Manufacturing Operation
Authorities have not yet provided an estimated value for the drugs or other material recovered from the Krugersdorp property.
Police said investigations were continuing, including efforts to establish the value of the drugs seized and determine the full extent of the suspected manufacturing operation.
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The arrests follow another suspected drug laboratory discovery in the North West earlier in the week.
Four Arrested Near Hartbeespoort Dam
On Tuesday, four people were arrested during an intelligence-driven operation at a plot in Scheerpoort, near Hartbeespoort Dam.
Four firearms, including a rifle and three handguns, were also seized during the operation.
North West police said Hartbeespoort Dam SAPS Crime Prevention members initially received information about suspected illegal activity at the property. The information was subsequently shared with Brits Crime Intelligence and the Hartbeespoort Dam K9 unit for further verification.
Officers who went to the property found three women and a man. A search allegedly uncovered what appeared to be a drug laboratory, as well as processed drugs, a drug production mixture and equipment believed to have been used in drug manufacturing.
North West police spokesperson Colonel Adéle Myburgh said the suspects included a 39-year-old Zimbabwean man and three women aged between 23 and 29.
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The four face charges relating to the possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, as well as dealing in and manufacturing drugs under the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act, 1992 (Act 140 of 1992).
Police said the suspects were expected to appear in the Brits Magistrate's Court.
North West Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Arthur Peter Adams praised the officers involved for their response and coordination.
He said the SAPS remained committed to disrupting organised criminal networks involved in the manufacture and distribution of drugs.
Adams also warned that police would remain “resolute and relentless” in their efforts to combat crime.
Investigations into both suspected drug laboratories are continuing.
