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Clandestine lab with equipment and substances worth over R20 million recovered in Standerton.
The Hawks have uncovered a secret drug lab worth over R20 million in the Standerton industrial area in Mpumalanga.
In a statement, the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation confirmed the discovery of the lab, packed with chemicals and equipment, during a raid on Friday.
Six suspects, aged between 19 and 60 – all believed to be Mozambican nationals – were arrested at a warehouse.
A fourth individual, believed to be their employer, was also taken into custody following further investigations.
The bust was carried out by the Hawks’ Secunda-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit.
The team from Forensic Science Laboratory, Chemistry Section, is reported to be present on the scene for further investigation.
A BMW X5 that belongs to one of the suspects was also seized for further investigation.
The Mpumalanga Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Nico Gerber, applauds members for a job well done.
“There have been a number of drug-related cases reported in Standerton. Hawks members were tasked to monitor and expand our network to focus on drug-related cases. Members responded, and this seizure is the result of commitment and hard work. The collaboration between different stakeholders led to the success,” said the Gerber.
#sapsHAWKS Mpumalanga: Six suspects aged between 19 and 60 were arrested when the Hawks Secunda based Serious Organised Crime Investigation raided a warehouse in Standerton industrial area on 04 April 2025 where chemicals and machinery believed to be used in manufacturing of… pic.twitter.com/BXCRVZMM7S
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) April 5, 2025
