VANDERBIJLPARK – A mandrax lab worth R1.5m was discovered in Vanderbijlpark on March 14 leading to the arrest of a 46-year-old man.
According to Gauteng Police, a cross-border operation between the Western Cape Organised Crime Investigation (OCI) and Head Office Narcotics led to the discovery of a clandestine drug laboratory.
This comes after an intensive investigation by a multidisciplinary team and various other law enforcement officials tracing a wanted suspect for drug dealing in De Rust, Western Cape.
In a statement, police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Amanda van Wyk said Mandrax and drug-manufacturing equipment were seized during the operation.
“Mandrax and drug manufacturing equipment over R1m were seized and a 46-year-old suspect was arrested during this operation. A multi-disciplinary team, including detectives from Western Cape OCI, Head Office Narcotics, Gauteng Narcotics, West Rand K9 Unit, Garden Route District Crime Intelligence, and the Western Cape Drone Unit, acted on intelligence regarding a wanted suspect linked to a drug dealing case,” she said.
Van Wyk added that the operation led officers to an address in South Crest, Alberton, where a search of the suspect’s premises and vehicle resulted in the seizure of an unlicensed firearm and over 7 000 mandrax tablets worth more than R560 000.
“Further investigations led the team to a property in Vanderbijlpark, where they uncovered a fully operational drug laboratory. Seized items included a tablet press, various chemicals, drug manufacturing equipment, and a quantity of mandrax powder and mandrax tablets with an estimated value of R500 000,” she added.
The suspect is expected to appear in court soon on charges of possession, dealing, and manufacturing of drugs.
Investigations are ongoing.
