Five suspects to appear in court after R100m drug lab bust near Krugersdorp

Five suspects are expected to appear in the Krugersdorp Magistrate’s Court after police uncovered an alleged R100 million drug manufacturing laboratory at a farm in Hekpoort, near Krugersdorp.

The suspects were arrested last week during a multi-agency operation targeting suspected illegal drug production. Authorities say quantities of Mandrax and ecstasy tablets were found at the property.

The five South African nationals are expected to face charges of manufacturing and dealing in illegal drugs.

Hawks lead operation at Hekpoort farm

The laboratory was uncovered during an operation led by the South African Narcotics Bureau of the Hawks, working alongside SAPS Crime Intelligence at national head office, the Special Task Force and the West Rand K-9 unit.

Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale said the suspected laboratory was valued at approximately R100 million.

According to Mogale, officers discovered quantities of Mandrax and ecstasy tablets on the premises.

The investigation is expected to focus on the alleged manufacture and distribution of illegal substances, although further details about the suspected operation have not been provided.

Property owner also faces charges

Gauteng police commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni confirmed that investigators had identified the owner of the property.

The owner is also expected to face criminal charges, although authorities have not provided further details about the allegations against them.

The arrests form part of ongoing law enforcement efforts to uncover suspected drug manufacturing operations and disrupt networks involved in the illegal drug trade.

Another suspected drug laboratory uncovered near Hartbeespoort

The Hekpoort operation follows another police intervention last week, when four suspects were arrested at a property in Scheerpoort, near Hartbeespoortdam in North West.

Police said the suspects included a 39-year-old Zimbabwean national and three women aged between 23 and 29.

Officers allegedly found four firearms at the property, including a rifle and three handguns.

The arrests followed information received by Hartbeespoortdam SAPS Crime Prevention members about suspected illegal activity at the premises.

The four suspects were charged with possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, as well as dealing in and manufacturing drugs.

The two cases highlight recent police operations targeting suspected drug production sites in Gauteng and neighbouring North West. The five suspects arrested in Hekpoort are expected to make their first court appearance on Monday, 12 October 2026.

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Source: The Citizen