SAPS busts multi-million-rand drug lab in Krugersdorp

SAPS has uncovered a suspected multi-million-rand drug manufacturing laboratory at a farm in Krugersdorp, Gauteng, where quantities of Mandrax and ecstasy tablets were found, Joburg ETC reports.

The discovery was made by Crime Intelligence at SAPS National Head Office together with the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (DPCI).

#sapsHQ [ACTIVE CRIME SCENE: SAPS UNCOVERS MULTI-MILLION RAND DRUG MANUFACTURING LABORATORY IN KRUGERSDORP] The #SAPS Crime Intelligence at National Head Office and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (DPCI)has uncovered another multi-million rand drug manufacturing laboratory at a farm in Krugersdorp, Gauteng.

Police have discovered quantities of Mandrax and ecstasy tablets at the suspected drug manufacturing laboratory.

Five South African nationals who were found at the premises have been arrested.

Senior SAPS officers are en route to the scene, where further assessments and investigations are underway. #DrugsOffTheStreets #DrugLab ME

SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) October 8, 2026

Five South African nationals found on the premises have been arrested following the operation, according to SAPS. Senior police officials are now heading to the scene as further assessments and investigations continue.

SAPS has not yet provided details on the estimated value of the drugs recovered, the size of the suspected laboratory or whether more arrests are expected.

The police service described the property as an active crime scene, with investigators still working to assess the site and establish the circumstances surrounding the suspected drug manufacturing operation.

The discovery is the latest drug laboratory uncovered by SAPS, which described it as another multi-million-rand facility.Further information has not been released at this stage, and the investigation remains ongoing

The Krugersdorp discovery comes just a day after police uncovered another suspected multi-million-rand Mandrax laboratory near Hartbeespoort Dam in North West. Four suspects were arrested and four firearms, including a rifle and three handguns, were seized during the 6 October operation.

The scale of the trade has been reflected in asset-seizure cases. Earlier this month, the National Prosecuting Authority secured a preservation order over assets worth about R178.6 million allegedly linked to a Mandrax manufacturing operation in the Standerton area, according to the NPA.