Rustenburg drug laboratory raided – R1.5 million worth of cocaine seized

South African Police Service

Rustenburg drug laboratory raided – R1.5 million worth of cocaine seized
Rustenburg drug laboratory raided - R1.5 million worth of cocaine seized

A crime intelligence driven operation on Friday, 16 October 2020, by the Rustenburg Public Order Police (POP) and Phokeng K9 Unit, led to the discovery of a drug laboratory and apprehension of two male suspects aged 33 and 34.

According to reports, the suspects’ silver Volkswagen Polo vehicle was observed and stopped on the N4 road near Phokeng for a search. Police then proceeded to Geelhout Park, Rustenburg where the occupants of the Volkswagen Polo reside. During the search conducted in the presence of the pair, items that are apparently used to manufacture drugs were found.

They include various 20 litre containers of chemicals, hand gloves and dust masks. A further search resulted in finding and seizing of a plastic bag containing 3 kg of cocaine with estimated street value of R1.5 million, ten cell phones and a substantial amount of cash.

North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena welcomed the arrest and commended the members involved in the operation. Furthermore, he stated that manufacturing, supplying and dealing in drugs will not be tolerated and that those who are involved in these illicit activities, will be dealt with accordingly.

The suspects are expected to appear in the Rustenburg Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 19 October 2020, for contravention of Section 3 of the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act, 1992 (Act No. 140 of 1992).

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), is investigating.

SAPS Newsroom

South Africa Today – South Africa News

SOURCESouth African Police Service