By IOL News

A 39-year-old Zimbabwean man and three women aged between 23 and 29 have been arrested after police raided a suspected multimillion-rand drug laboratory at a plot in Scheerpoort, near Hartbeespoort Dam in the North West.

The four suspects were arrested during an intelligence-driven operation on Tuesday after Hartbeespoortdam SAPS Crime Prevention members received information about suspected illegal activities at the property.

North West police spokesperson Colonel Adéle Myburgh said the information was shared with Brits Crime Intelligence and the Hartbeespoortdam K9 unit for further intelligence gathering and verification.

“Upon arrival at the identified address this morning, members found three females and one male. A search of the premises uncovered what appeared to be a drug laboratory, with processed drugs, a drug production mixture and equipment allegedly used in the manufacturing of drugs,” she said.

Myburgh said four firearms, including a rifle and three handguns, were also seized during the operation.

The suspects have been charged with possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, as well as dealing in and manufacturing drugs in terms of the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act, 1992.

They are expected to appear in the Brits Magistrate’s Court soon.

Police target organised crime

North West Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Arthur Peter Adams commended the police members involved in the operation for their swift response and collaboration.

Adams said the police remained committed to dismantling organised crime syndicates involved in the manufacturing and distribution of drugs.

He also warned criminals that the South African Police Service remained resolute and relentless in the fight against crime.

Police investigations are continuing, including efforts to determine the value of the drugs seized during the raid.