Police make R1m drug bust in multi-disciplinary cross-border operation

Drug Bust

Cape Town — As part of a collaborative cross-border operation, the Western Cape Organsied Crime Investigations (OCI) and Head of Office Narcotics initiated a R1 million drug bust in Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng.

Police spokesperson Cmanada van Wyk said the police operation dismantled the drug manufacturing operation, which led to the arrest of a 46-year-old suspect. In total, police seized drugs and equipment valued at R1 million, IOL reported.

Van Wyk said the success follows the intense investigation into a wanted suspect connected to a drug dealing case in De Rust, Western Cape.

Police acted on intelligence, and a multi-disciplinary team with detectives from various branches coordinated efforts to locate the suspect.

“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,” she said.

According to The Citizen, 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,” Van Wyk said.

Van Wyk added that investigations are ongoing.

Follow African Insider on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Picture: X/@SAPoliceService

For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com

Compiled by Matthew Petersen

Article written by