Johannesburg – A clandestine drug laboratory has been uncovered in Vanderbijlpark by the police, and illicit drugs and manufacturing equipment worth more than a million rand seized.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk said the drug lab was busted on Friday, (14 March 2025).
“Mandrax and drug manufacturing equipment worth over a million rand were seized and a 46-year-old suspect was arrested during this operation,” Lieutenant Colonel Van Wyk said.
Narrating events leading to the drug bust, the police spokesperson said intensive investigations involving a multi-disciplinary team were carried out.
The multi-disciplinary team included 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.
The team acted on information they received regarding a wanted suspect linked to a drug dealing case in De Rust, Western Cape.
“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,” said Lieutenant Colonel Van Wyk said.
“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.”
The suspect is expected to appear in court next week on charges of possession, dealing, and manufacturing of drugs.
