Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Stefan Schutte has commended Crime Intelligence, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) and Gauteng Province Anti-Gang Unit for the discovery of a clandestine drug laboratory at a small holding in Randfontein.
Four suspects, among them believed to a former high-profile footballer, were found at the premises. Among the arrested was the owner of the property.
“The multi-disciplinary team observed the small holding for a period of time until they were satisfied that they had enough evidence to apply for a search warrant. The search warrant was effected in the early hours of this morning and the team discovered a steel shed full of chemicals and machines used to manufacture mandrax, as well as a truck containing liquid chemical,” said police spokesperson Colonel Brenda Muridili in a statement.
The Forensic Science Laboratory crime scene investigators spent hours yesterday combing the scene collecting evidence. Muridili said the value of the clandestine drug laboratory will be determined by forensics as soon as evidence is concluded.
Schutte said the interception of the operation would cut the supply of drugs to children.
“Drugs ravage our communities and destroy the future of our children. As we will soon commemorate the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children, we all need to take extra care of our children by ridding our communities of drugs”, said Schutte.
He urged communities to be part of community policing forums and to take ownership of the ‘community in blue’ concept.
The suspects are facing a charge of manufacturing drugs and the case will be investigated by the DPCI. – SAnews.gov.za
