Gauteng police commended after pouncing on R10 million drug laboratory in Westonaria

The ANC parliamentary caucus has commended the efforts of Gauteng’s Organised Crime Unit following the discovery of a R10 million drug laboratory in Westonaria, which led to the arrest of two suspects.

The ANC study group on police said the dismantling of drug labs and arrest of kingpins would help to stem the tide of drug-related crimes in Gauteng and around the country.

“The reality is that legislative and policy measures instituted by governments cannot alone rid us of drug-related crime, which is a major problem in South Africa with a significant impact in our communities,” the ANC caucus said.

“The ANC study group therefore calls on all sectors of society to play their part and work with law enforcement agencies by reporting all drug-related activities in their communities. The drug-related crime rate is very high in our communities, and it threatens the future of our children. The scale of the impact of drug use in our society places upon us all a responsibility that we cannot avoid.”

The South African Police Service (SAPS) announced on Thursday that it has discovered a drug laboratory worth more than R10 million on the outskirts of Westonaria and arrested a pair of suspects, aged 51 and 49.

National Crime Intelligence members had been observing the plot, where suspicious movements and activities were taking place.

After obtaining a search and seizure warrant, police seized mandrax and drug-manufacturing machinery from the premises.

One of the suspects, who is reportedly the owner of the house, was found inside the drug lab and was immediately arrested, while further investigation led to the arrest of the second suspect. They were charged with manufacturing and dealing in drugs.

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