Police in major drug bust 

…but accused of sweeping same case under carpet 

…presumably to protect private interests 

Moorosi Tsiane 

THE police are said to have made a major drug bust, uncovering a crystal meth manufacturing laboratory in Khubetsoana in February this year. 

But they now face allegations of sweeping the same case under the carpet, presumably because some of the officers involved are protecting their interests. 

The Maseru Urban District Commissioner (DISPOL), Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police (SACP) Tšeliso Moerane, and the Maseru Central Beat Patrol commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Kokong Malefane, are alleged to have “sat” on the case, which has not seen the light of day since the February bust. 

According to sources close to the investigations, the matter involves Asian nationals who allegedly rented a workshop at properties owned by Simon Thebe-ea-Khale in Lifariking, Khubetsoana. They are said to have operated a drug laboratory under the guise of an IT company. 

When the Lesotho Times crew inquired about the case yesterday, police said there was no such matter being investigated or handled. 

ACP Malefane referred this publication to SACP Moerane, who in turn directed queries to police spokesperson, Superintendent Thabo Mohai. Supt Mohai said ACP Malefane denied any knowledge of such a case. 

Ironically, a police vehicle bearing registration number POL 0084 was seen stationed at the facility gate, allegedly guarding equipment believed to have been used in the manufacture of the drugs. 

The arrest 

According to a source close to the matter, the case began with a dispute between two Asian businessmen. 

What initially appeared to be a routine assault investigation quickly escalated into something far more serious. 

“Sometime around February, a Chinese national reported an assault. But as police followed up, it emerged that the dispute was linked to a fallout in a business arrangement. That is when it came to light that they were allegedly running a drug manufacturing operation from that warehouse,” the source said. 

Acting on that intelligence, members of the patrol unit conducted a raid and arrested the suspects. Substances recovered from the scene were sent for forensic analysis by the police drugs and diamonds unit. 

“On that day, police officers from Maseru Central Patrol Unit arrived at Police Headquarters in several vehicles, travelling with men of Asian appearance. They later sought assistance from the drugs and diamonds division to test the confiscated substances from the Lifariking property. This was confirmed to be crystal meth,” the source said. 

Case management 

Police sources say that while any officer can effect an arrest, serious cases must be handed over to the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) for further investigation. 

“The beat patrol responds to most cases because they are a mobile unit, and under normal circumstances, they hand over cases to the Head of CID if further investigation is required, unless it is a minor offence such as drunk driving or operating liquor outlets beyond legal hours where they can take suspects to court directly  to be charged,” a source said. 

“However, ACP Malefane insisted on leading the investigation himself and only directed the drugs and diamonds officers to assist with testing. It was an unusual request, but they could not question him as he is senior to them. 

“No progress has reportedly been made since, and the suspects were allegedly released without appearing in court. The only explanation given was that the matter was now being handled by SACP Moerane.” 

Residents corroborate 

A villager who requested anonymity for fear of reprisal confirmed the raid and arrests. 

“There were Chinese nationals operating that facility. We did not know what business they were doing. The place used to be a vehicle workshop before they came. Their operations were cut short sometime in February when police raided the premises. There were many officers here,” the villager said. 

“After the raid, a police vehicle remained guarding the place. Even when you enter the yard, you are not allowed near the workshop.” 

Another resident living near the compound corroborated the account. 

“There were Chinese people operating from that place. We didn’t know what they were doing at first,” the resident said. 

“But then they were arrested, and people said they were manufacturing drugs. After that, they disappeared.” 

Residents also raised concern over the continued police presence at the property long after the arrests. 

“They left equipment inside. Even now, there is a police vehicle parked at the gate guarding the place,” the resident added. 

A visit by this publication confirmed the presence of a white Honda Fit police vehicle, with registration POL 0084, stationed outside the premises. 

Police response 

Despite these accounts, the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) has denied investigating such a case. 

Supt Mohai maintained that no such case existed in official police records. 

“I have consulted with ACP Malefane, and he says there is no such thing in his report,” he said. 

“I do not think it is necessary for you to speak to him further if what you are looking for is not there.” 

Supt Mohai also appeared unaware of the police vehicle reportedly guarding the property but said he would make follow-ups. 

The owner of the warehouse, Mr Thebe-ea-Khale, declined to comment, citing personal constraints. 

“I am not in a good space to comment right now. Let’s talk tomorrow,” he said. 

Crystal meth 

Crystal meth is a powerful and highly addictive synthetic stimulant. 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it triggers an intense surge of dopamine, producing euphoria but also causing severe physical and psychological damage, including addiction, heart disease and psychosis. 

Khubetsoana has long carried a reputation as one of Maseru’s most notorious drug hotspots, but recent allegations suggest a far more troubling reality — that the area may also have been used as a base for manufacturing crystal meth. 

The claims have fuelled allegations that some police officers may be protecting drug syndicates, allegedly benefiting financially in exchange for shielding suspects from prosecution. 

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