Two illegal Mozambican nationals appeared in the Atteridgeville Magistrates’ Court after police allegedly uncovered a drug manufacturing laboratory containing drugs worth approximately R110 million in Erasmia, Centurion, Pretoria.
Jose Vaso Sete, 53, and Arlindo Fernand, 44, have been charged with manufacturing drugs and contravening the Immigration Act by allegedly being in South Africa illegally.
Suspects found at drug laboratory
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (DPCI) received intelligence about the alleged existence of a drug manufacturing laboratory in the Erasmia area.
Following an investigation, various police units descended on the property on September 9, 2026.
The NPA said police allegedly found Sete and Fernand attempting to flee when officers arrived.
They were arrested and police subsequently searched the house, where they allegedly discovered a drug laboratory.
Mahanjana said the premises contained drug-manufacturing equipment, materials used in the production of drugs, drugs at various stages of production and fully manufactured drugs.
The estimated value of the drugs was approximately R110 million.
State to oppose bail
The two accused were remanded in custody following their brief court appearance.
The matter was postponed to September 18, 2026, for the appointment of a foreign-language interpreter and for further bail investigations.
Mahanjana said the State intends to oppose bail.
