Cops bust R80m drug lab in upmarket Gauteng suburb

By Everson Luhanga

Gauteng police bust a drug lab worth an estimated R80-million in the affluent suburb of Douglasdale, near Fourways, Johannesburg, on Thursday.

The cops seized mandrax tablets worth an estimated R10-million during the operation.

Gauteng provincial police spokesperson, Lieutenant-Colonel Mavela Masondo, said the provincial organised crime unit and security firm PES Flexi discovered the drug lab, along with drugs and processing machinery.

Police also found two unlicensed firearms, high-calibre ammunition, pellet guns, and replica firearms at the premises. Two illegal immigrants present at the scene were arrested.

Masondo added that police had been observing and monitoring the plot due to suspicious activities taking place there.

“On Thursday morning, the police executed a search warrant and discovered that the premises were being used to manufacture drugs. Chemicals, machinery, and finished products were found on site,” said Masondo.

Gauteng police provincial commissioner Lieutenant-General Tommy Mthombeni visited the crime scene and praised the team responsible for uncovering the drug lab.

“More than 10 drug labs have been discovered by the police in Gauteng over the past five months,” said Mthombeni. 

“This is clear evidence that we are making significant progress in identifying and dismantling drug labs in our province. I am proud of my members who have diligently worked to close down these operations.”

On the same day, members of the Tshwane metro police department’s drug unit received information about a drug deal that was set to take place at the corner of Eskia Mphahlele and Struben streets. 

Two men were found in possession of nyaope. The suspects led the team to Mooikloof in Pretoria East, where more drugs were discovered, and six additional suspects were arrested.

On 31 July, police seized drugs worth R300-million and arrested eight kidnappers in Fourways, just kilometres away from Thursday’s drug lab bust.

A businessman who had been kidnapped on 5 July at a mosque in Roodepoort was rescued during the operation. The kidnappers had demanded R5-million for his release, but nothing was paid after police apprehended the suspects.

The arrested suspects will appear at the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court in due course to face charges including the manufacturing of drugs and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

Pictured above: One of the suspects and some of their tools seized by police in Joburg.

Source: Gauteng SAPS