GAUTENG. – Five suspects aged between 30 and 58 have been arrested and charged with contravention of the Medicine Act, Drug Trafficking Act, illegal manufacturing and dealing in drugs.

Police spokesperson Captain Ndivhuwo Mulamu says, “Hawks’ South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau together with the Crime Intelligence and Provincial Tactical Response Team followed up on intelligence regarding suspected dagga consignment due to be delivered in the Alberton area.

“Police kept surveillance at a positively identified residence in Alberton yesterday and pounced on the suspects allegedly operating a fully functional cannabis oil extraction process. Five suspects, were arrested and subsequently charged.”

Mulamu stated that the investigation team together with Forensic Science Laboratories Services seized all cannabis oil extraction equipment worth an estimated value of R5 million.

“More arrests cannot be ruled out as the investigation continues. Suspects are expected to appear in the Alberton Magistrates’ Court tomorrow.”