Gauteng police have uncovered a drug lab at a plot in Douglasdale, Johannesburg, with drugs and processing machinery estimated to be worth R80 million. The lab was discovered through the Organised Crime Unit and Police Emergency Service (PES) Flexi Team.

Police said two unlicensed firearms were seized, along with high calibre ammunition, and several replica firearms. Two illegal immigrants were found at the premises and subsequently apprehended.

“The police have been observing and monitoring a plot where suspicious activities were taking place. On Thursday morning, the police executed a search warrant where they discovered that the premises were used to manufacture drugs. Chemicals used to manufacture drugs, machinery, and finished products were found at the premises,” the statement read.

Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, applauded the team for their hard work.

“More than ten drug labs have been discovered by the police in Gauteng in the last five months. This is evidence enough that we are making inroads in identifying and dismantling drug labs in our province.

“I am proud of my members who have been working with diligence to identify and close down the existing drug labs in our province,” Lieutenant General Mthombeni said.

The arrested suspects will appear before the local Magistrate’s Court. They will face charges that include the manufacturing of drugs, possession of unlicensed firearms, and possession of ammunition.