The slowing of industry in the Roodepooort CBD has left several factories and commercial properties in desperate need of occupants.
One building became the workspace of the wrong kind of tenants, and their lease has been terminated after police discovered their industrial-sized drug-manufacturing operation. The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), in collaboration with Crime Intelligence dismantled what police have described as a “clandestine drug manufacturing laboratory” on Wednesday, 19 August.
Authorities responded to a tip-off regarding suspicious activities in the area, and after thorough surveillance, they executed their search warrant.
A 46-year-old was caught in the process of manufacturing drugs, including Mandrax and methaqualone. Chemicals, several trays of drugs and equipment have been confiscated for further investigation. The DPCI Provincial Head, Major General Ebrahim Kadwa reflected on a successful operation, saying, “Tackling the illicit drug trade remains a top priority for law-enforcement agencies. We remain relentless in pursuit of the masterminds involved. Since January this year our Narcotics Enforcement Bureau dismantled about seven clandestine drug-manufacturing laboratories across the Gauteng province in collaboration with key law-enforcement partners.”
The suspect is expected to appear in the Roodepoort Magistrates’ Court tomorrow on charges of distribution and manufacturing of illicit substances.
The DPCI appeals to communities to alert their nearest police station with any information regarding the illicit production, trafficking, and distributors of drugs.
