The Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority in Gauteng, Major General Ebrahim Kadwa has lauded concerted efforts to rid the province of the narcotics scourge. This follows a clandestine hydroponic cannabis laboratory that was dismantled in the Brackendowns policing precinct on Friday, 07 June 2024.
The operation resulted in nine individuals being arrested after Johannesburg K9 members acted on intelligence received concerning a suspected drug laboratory operating in Meyersdal, South of Johannesburg. Observation were conducted at the identified premises, it became apparent that some illegal activities were taking place. A search and seizure warrant was thus applied for and granted by the Palm Ridge Magistratesā Court.
The police found massive quantities of precursor chemicals for manufacturing of drugs, drug manufacturing equipment and actual drugs. Role players were called to the scene including, the Forensic Crime Scene Management, the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), who are tasked with the docket for further investigation.
Francois Marais (31), Victor van Schalkwyk (18), Charl Redelingshuis (26), Thomas John (39), Sibusibo Masemola (39), Billy Mokareka (25) Madelen Cheza (35), Jayson Van Der Heever (21), and Albertus Markus Marais (25), were placed under arrest. They have been charged for dealing in drugs and contravening Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act. They appeared before the Palm Ridge Magistratesā Court on Monday, 10 June 2024, and the case has been postponed to Thursday, 04 July 2024 for bail application.
āJust last week, on Wednesday, 05 June 2024, we had another operation that resulted in two individuals being arrested for dealing in drugs. We are pleased in the progress we are making to ensure that our communities are freed from harmful substances. It is patently clear that, be it at affluent suburbs, townships and small holdings these clandestine operations exists. We hereby urge our communities to help us identify the dealers in order for them to be brought to bookā, Maj Gen Kadwa said.
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