Multimillion-rand Alberton drug lab dismantled, 8 arrested

Eight arrests have been made after police discovered a clandestine drug laboratory worth millions in Alberton yesterday (June 7).

Gauteng police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili said the Johannesburg K9 members received information on May 28 about a suspected drug laboratory in Alberton.

Muridili said they observed the premises until they were satisfied that there was indeed illegal activities happening at the house.

The K9 unit then approached National Counter Narcotics for assistance where after a search warrant was obtained from the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court.

“On June 7 at about 10:00, the Johannesburg K9 and National Counter Narcotics executed the search warrant at the premises. The police found massive quantities of precursor chemicals for manufacturing drugs, drug manufacturing equipment and actual drugs,” Muridili said.

The team withdrew from the house and called in Forensic Crime Scene Management, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, and the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority.

The police placed eight suspects found at the premises under arrest.  The suspects will soon appear in court and will be facing potential charges of drug dealing and violating the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act, Act 140 of 1992.