South African police have uncovered a suspected multi-million-rand drug manufacturing laboratory at a farm in Krugersdorp, Gauteng, in the latest major operation against organised drug crime in the country.
The operation was carried out on Thursday, October 8, by the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Intelligence and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, commonly known as the Hawks.
Police discovered quantities of Mandrax and ecstasy tablets at the property. Five South African nationals who were found at the premises were arrested in connection with the suspected operation.
Authorities said the property remained an active crime scene as senior police officers and investigators continued assessing the facility and collecting evidence. Police have not yet announced the exact quantity or street value of the drugs recovered.
The Krugersdorp discovery comes only days after another suspected drug laboratory was uncovered near Hartbeespoort Dam in the North West. In that earlier operation, four people were arrested and firearms and drug-manufacturing equipment were reportedly seized.
The recent operations form part of a wider effort by South African law enforcement agencies to dismantle organised criminal networks involved in the manufacture and distribution of illegal drugs.
Police say investigations into the Krugersdorp facility are continuing, including efforts to establish the scale of the operation and whether the suspects are connected to other drug-manufacturing networks.
