Police bust multimillion-rand Hartbeespoort Mandrax lab

Police swooped on a suspected multimillion-rand Mandrax laboratory near Hartbeespoort Dam during an intelligence-driven operation on Tuesday.

Officers arrested four suspects at a plot in Scheerpoort after acting on information about alleged criminal activity.

A search of the property allegedly uncovered processed drugs, a drug-production mixture, manufacturing equipment and four firearms.

Hartbeespoortdam SAPS Crime Prevention, Brits Crime Intelligence and the Hartbeespoortdam K9 Unit took part in the operation.

Drug lab uncovered during raid

Officers found three women and one man at the address.

During the search, police allegedly discovered processed drugs, a drug-production mixture and equipment believed to have been used to manufacture narcotics.

They also seized four firearms, including a rifle and three handguns.

Police arrested a 39-year-old Zimbabwean man and three women aged between 23 and 29.

The suspects face charges of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, as well as dealing in and manufacturing drugs.

They are expected to appear in the Brits Magistrate’s Court.

Police probe scale of operation

North West Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant-General Arthur Peter Adams praised the teams involved in the operation.

He said police remained focused on dismantling organised crime groups involved in the manufacture and distribution of drugs.

Investigators are now working to establish the value of the drugs seized and the full extent of the operation.