Two arrested after drug lab worth R150m uncovered

Two people were arrested after a secret drug lab worth R150m was uncovered by the Hawks in rural Mogale City, Magaliesburg, on Thursday.

The arrests of the suspects, aged 72 and 37, were carried out by the Hawks South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau in conjunction with Crime Intelligence and the Special Task Force.

Hawks spokesperson Col Philani Nkwalase said the police’s joint team executed a search and seizure warrant after an intensive investigation into the drug supply flowing into the Western Cape. 

“During the search, the police found Mandrax paste, Mandrax tablets, Mandrax press, oven to dry methaqualone, buckets of methaqualone and drums of powder used in the manufacturing of Mandrax worth an estimated R150m,” said Nkwalase.