Mapaballo Borotho

- The Hawks uncovered a multimillion-rand clandestine drug lab on a smallholding in Makapanstad, North West.
- Six suspects were caught in the act of manufacturing Mandrax and were arrested on the scene.
- Large quantities of drugs and processing equipment were seized, and the suspects will appear in court soon.
The Hawks have made another breakthrough in the fight against organised crime after uncovering a clandestine drug laboratory worth millions of rands in Makapanstad, North West.
Members of the Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit in the Western Cape were following up on information linked to a suspect who had fled in a separate drug-related case.
Their investigation led them to a smallholding in Thulwe, north-west of Maubane, where the shocking discovery was made on Monday.
Upon arrival, officers found six suspects, aged between 44 and 55, actively manufacturing Mandrax.
Large quantities of both finished tablets and powder were seized, along with drug-processing equipment including a press, crusher machine, scales, and packaging materials.
All six suspects were arrested on the scene.
Hawks spokesperson Katlego Mogale says the group will appear in court soon on charges of drug manufacturing.
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