DailySun
A joint operation between the Western Cape Organised Crime Investigations (OCI) and the Head Office Narcotics Unit resulted in the discovery of a fully operational drug lab in Vanderbijlpark on Friday.
This find led to the arrest of a 46-year-old suspect.
– Advertisement –
This operation, spanning multiple provinces, is part of a larger initiative designed to dismantle drug syndicates across South Africa.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Sharing Precious Moments! Cindy Mahlangu and Bongani Zungu Celebrate Their Son Micah’s 3rd Birthday with Heartfelt Memories
As per police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk, the investigation commenced following a tip concerning a suspected drug dealer believed to be part of a more extensive network operating nationally.
The suspect had been under close observation for drug-related activities in De Rust, Western Cape, until authorities managed to trace him to Vanderbijlpark, where the advanced lab was uncovered.
R1.5 Million Worth of Drugs and Equipment Seized
The successful operation resulted in the seizure of a substantial amount of drugs and manufacturing equipment estimated at R1.5 million.
The items recovered included over 7,000 Mandrax tablets, an illegal firearm, a tablet press, various chemicals, and other production tools.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Unathi Nkayi Faces Backlash Over Her Son’s ‘Worn Out’ Appearance Despite Her Fashion Budget
Lieutenant Colonel Van Wyk confirmed that during the search of the suspect’s vehicle and property in Alberton, South Crest, police seized a significant quantity of Mandrax tablets valued at over R560,000.
– Advertisement –
This initial raid led to further discoveries at the Vanderbijlpark site, where law enforcement found a fully functioning lab capable of mass-producing Mandrax tablets.
Commenting on the find, Wyk stated, “The diligent efforts of the team, led by skilled investigators, have effectively dismantled a major drug manufacturing operation.
“The suspect is expected to face serious charges related to possession, distribution, and production of illegal drugs.”
Continued Investigations Into Larger Syndicate
The arrest of the 46-year-old suspect is part of an ongoing investigation into a widespread syndicate operating in Gauteng.
This represents the latest success in a series of extensive drug busts aimed at disrupting illicit manufacturers and their distribution networks across South Africa.
Earlier this month, Gauteng authorities uncovered a significant drug cache at a self-storage facility in Derdepoort, Pretoria, valued at an estimated R15 million on the street.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: ANC Considers Seeking Budget Support Amid VAT Standoff from EFF
The seized substances included scheduled medications, steroids, and performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), indicating the syndicate’s engagement in the illegal trade of controlled substances across various sectors.
Furthermore, a major breakthrough in February resulted in the arrest of six individuals connected to a prominent operation that had been leveraging an online platform for distribution.
Initial findings suggest that the syndicate was involved in distributing multiple illicit substances, such as stimulants, steroids, and other dangerous drugs.
Lieutenant Colonel Van Wyk noted that while some charges against two suspects were dropped, investigations into the far-reaching operations of the syndicate are ongoing.
– Advertisement –
