CRIME SCENE: Ramokokastad, North West Province: Four people, including two 71-year-old women, have been arrested following the discovery of a suspected clandestine drug laboratory near Sun City.

The operation was carried out on Friday, 23 October 2026 after police acted on intelligence regarding alleged drug manufacturing activities at a property in the Thabeng Section of Mogwase. Officers executing a search and seizure warrant uncovered a large quantity of equipment and materials believed to be linked to the production of illicit drugs, according to the South African Police Service (SAPS).

“Among the items seized were generators, gas cylinders, gas stoves, large cooking pots, more than 100 buckets, water tanks, chemical substances, drying areas and 20 bags containing suspected drug material weighing approximately 40kg each.

“Preliminary investigations suggest the premises may have been used to manufacture Mandrax and Tik. The recovered substances will undergo forensic analysis as part of the ongoing investigation,” said SAPS.

Two women, aged 71 and 24, and two men, aged 19 and 52, were arrested at the scene. A fifth suspect reportedly fled and is still being sought by police.

The suspects are expected to appear in the Mogwase Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 26 October, on charges related to the manufacture and dealing of illicit drugs.

North West Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Arthur Peter Adams praised the multidisciplinary team involved in the operation, describing the bust as a significant step in disrupting drug manufacturing and distribution networks. He emphasised the importance of intelligence-driven policing and community cooperation in combating the drug trade.

The operation involved members of the Provincial Tracker Team, Mogwase Crime Prevention Unit, Rustenburg Crime Scene Investigation, the Hawks, Crime Intelligence and the Phokeng K9 Unit.