Two foreign nationals in their late 30s have been arrested after police uncovered an alleged drug manufacturing laboratory. Image: SAPS
Drugs
1Min
South Africa
R100m Mandrax laboratory uncovered in Erasmia
Two foreign nationals have been arrested after police uncovered an alleged drug laboratory manufacturing Mandrax tablets worth an estimated R100 million at a smallholding in Erasmia, Pretoria.
Two foreign nationals in their late 30s have been arrested after police uncovered an alleged drug manufacturing laboratory at a smallholding in Erasmia, west of Pretoria.
The suspects were arrested on Wednesday, September 9, during a joint operation involving the Hawks’ South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau (SANEB), Crime Intelligence, the K9 West Rand and the Special Task Force in Pretoria.
The multidisciplinary team had received information about an alleged drug manufacturing laboratory operating from the smallholding.
Police followed up on the information and searched the premises, where they allegedly discovered a laboratory being used to manufacture Mandrax tablets with an estimated value of R100 million.
Investigators also uncovered what appeared to be a newly established drug laboratory inside the property.
Police said that the suspects were allegedly preparing to manufacture crystal methamphetamine at the second laboratory.
The operation forms part of a broader national crackdown on the illicit drug trade involving the SAPS, Hawks, Customs and other law enforcement agencies.
The two suspects are expected to appear before the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court on Friday, September 11.
