Police in the North West have dealt another massive blow to organised crime syndicates after dismantling a suspected clandestine drug laboratory in Thabeng Section, Ramokokastad Village, near Mogwase, on Friday, 23 October 2026.
This marks the fourth illegal drug manufacturing facility to be uncovered in the province in the past six months, highlighting a deeply concerning trend of syndicates shifting their operations to rural and farming areas across the region.
According to preliminary police observations, the premises were suspected of being used to manufacture Mandrax and crystal methamphetamine. The exact nature and composition of the recovered substances are still awaiting confirmation through forensic analysis.
North West provincial police spokesperson Constable Thuto Bobelo confirmed that the breakthrough came after law enforcement teams executed a targeted search and seizure warrant.
“During the operation, the police discovered and seized a substantial quantity of items and materials suspected of being used in the manufacture of illicit drugs. These included generators, gas cylinders, gas stoves, five large cooking pots, refuse bins, more than 100 buckets, water tanks and 20-litre plastic containers,” said Bobelo.
The team also recovered 20 bags, each weighing approximately 40kg, containing suspected drug material, as well as a wide variety of chemicals, sink baths, a cooking bay and three drying areas.
Four suspects, aged between 19 and 71, were arrested at the scene, while a manhunt has been launched for a fifth suspect who managed to evade capture and flee the property during the raid.
North West Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Arthur Peter Adams commended the specialised units for their swift action but raised the alarm over the increasing frequency of such operations.
“This latest bust follows a string of major takedowns in the province this year, including a massive R200-million crystal methamphetamine and gold processing plant discovered on a game farm in Swartruggens in May, and a multi-million-rand Mandrax laboratory dismantled near Hartbeespoort Dam earlier this month.”
The four arrested suspects are expected to make their first appearance in the Mogwase Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 26 October 2026, on charges of manufacturing and dealing in illicit drugs.
