SAPS crime intelligence team busted a heroin drug lab on farm land in Philippi after arresting a 45-year-old man.
The man, a Tanzanian national, was found at the premises in Kraal Road in Schaapkraal in Philippi on March 20 2025 and attempted to destroy the drugs but was found red-handed.
He appeared in the Athlone Magistrates Court yesterday after cops also confiscated an undisclosed amount of money, heroin and producing equipment at the scene.
According to sources close to the investigation, who may not be identified due to safety concerns, the foreign national was allegedly found to be in possession of a substance used to produce more drugs.
The source says: “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.
“This was a mini-laboratory and they must have been in operation for some time.”
Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk confirmed the man’s arrest.
He reports: “Be advised that the mentioned case number is a dealing in heroin and possession of heroin case registered at Philippi SAPS for investigation.
“The incident happened on March 20 2025 at a premises in Kraal Road, Philippi.
“A 45-year-old man was arrested.
“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.”