Four people have been arrested after police discovered a suspected clandestine drug laboratory in Ramokokastad, near Sun City, where they seized 20 bags of suspected drug material weighing about 40kg each and various chemicals.
The operation took place on Friday at Thabeng Section in Ramokokastad, Mogwase, after police received information about suspected drug manufacturing activities at the premises.
North West police spokesperson Constable Thuto Bobelo said officers executed a search and seizure warrant, leading to the discovery of materials suspected to be used in the manufacture of illicit drugs.
The seized items included generators, gas cylinders, gas stoves, five large cooking pots, refuse bins, more than 100 buckets, water tanks and 20-litre plastic containers.
Police also recovered 20 bags, each weighing approximately 40kg, containing suspected drug material, along with various chemicals, sink baths, a cooking bay and three drying areas.
Preliminary observations suggested that the premises may have been used to manufacture Mandrax and crystal methamphetamine.
However, the recovered substances will undergo further investigation and analysis to determine their nature and composition.
The arrested suspects are two women aged 71 and 24 and two men aged 19 and 52. A fifth suspect reportedly evaded arrest, and police are working to trace the individual.
The four suspects are expected to appear in the Mogwase Magistrates’ Court on Monday, October 26, on charges of manufacturing and dealing in illicit drugs.
Generators, gas cylinders, cooking pots, more than 100 buckets and various chemicals were among the items seized during a police operation at a suspected drug laboratory in Ramokokastad.
Provincial commissioner welcomes operation
The operation involved members of the Provincial Tracker Team, Mogwase Crime Prevention, Rustenburg Crime Scene Investigation, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Rustenburg Crime Intelligence and the Phokeng K9 Unit.
North West provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Arthur Peter Adams commended the officers, highlighting the role of intelligence-led policing and coordinated operations in disrupting criminal networks involved in drug manufacturing and distribution.
“The discovery of another suspected clandestine drug laboratory of this nature in North West, demonstrates the importance of acting decisively on information received from our communities and other sources,” Adams said.
“The manufacturing and distribution of illicit drugs pose a serious threat to the safety and well-being of our communities, particularly our young people.”
Adams also commended the officers for their dedication and coordinated efforts, saying police would continue to intensify operations to identify and dismantle drug manufacturing facilities and bring those responsible before the courts.
