Drug lab in church raided

2005-02-16 08:46

Johannesburg - Two men were arrested late on Tuesday after chemicals used for drug manufacture were found in a Joubert Park church, Johannesburg police said.

Superintendent Mary Martins-Engelbrecht said on Wednesday the members of the organised crime unit raided the Cathedral of Christ the King church after receiving information.

Chemicals as well as equipment used for making drugs were found in a store room in the church on the corner of Nugget and Pietersen streets.

The value of the chemicals and equipment have been estimated at R50 000.

The chemicals found in the church were commonly used to make drugs like CAT and TIKTIK.

A 28-year-old man was arrested near the church. Another man, 33, was taken into custody at a house in Kempton Park. Both were believed to have been employed by the church.

Martins-Engelbrecht said empty containers were found at the house. It was believed that the venue was used to store drugs.

The church leadership was unaware that the venue had been used to make drugs.

The two men would appear in court soon.

- SAPA