Crime intelligence teams together with police have stopped the operations of a heroin lab in Schaapkraal, after arresting a 45-year-old man, who was using a substance to “produce” more of the drug.
The suspect, a Tanzanian national, was found at the premises in Kraal Road on March 20 and attempted to destroy the drugs but was found red-handed.
An undisclosed amount of money, heroin and producing equipment were confiscated from the scene.
According to sources close to the investigation, the foreign national was allegedly found to be in possession of a substance used to produce more drugs.
“This product was used to thin the drug out as often it is hard to manufacture heroin in our climate here in the Western Cape,” the source said.
“This was a mini-laboratory and they must have been in operation for some time.”
Police spokesperson, FC van Wyk, confirmed the man’s arrest.
“Be advised that the mentioned case number is a dealing in heroin and possession of heroin case registered at Philippi SAPS for investigation,” he said.
“The incident happened on March 20, 2025, at a premises in Kraal Road, Philippi.
“A 45-year-old man was arrested, and is appearing in the Athlone Magistrate's Court on March 24, 2025, for the mentioned charge.
“SAPS members were on duty when they received information from crime intelligence that at the mentioned address there was a drug lab.
“The members went to the address and found the suspect trying to destroy the heroin. The suspect was then arrested.”
Meanwhile, in an unrelated incident, Public Order Police arrested two suspects, aged 28 and 37, when they stopped and searched them during a crime prevention operation in Vredenburg on Saturday.
They were found in possession of an imitation firearm and ten packets containing crystal meth.
Police spokesperson, Wesley Twigg, said the members also searched another premises in Lepelaar Street, Witteklip, Vredenburg, where they arrested a 34-year-old woman when they found 50 mandrax tablets and 22 packets containing crystal meth in the bedroom, concealed in an electricity box.
The suspect faces a charge for the possession of drugs.
"The suspects will make their respective court appearances in the Vredenburg Magistrate's Court once they have been charged," said Twigg.
Cape Argus