PRETORIA – Two foreign nationals in their late thirties were arrested on Wednesday, 09 September 2026 in Erasmia for allegedly manufacturing illicit drugs.
They were arrested during a joint operation conducted by members of the Hawks South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau (SANEB) based in Headquarters, Crime Intelligence, K9 West Rand and Special Task Force Pretoria. This operation is part of a much broader national effort by the South African Police Service, together with the Hawks, Customs and other law enforcement agencies, to intensify the fight against illicit drugs.
The multi-disciplinary team received information about a drug manufacturing laboratory operating in Erasmia on a small holding. The team followed up on the information and visited the premises.
During the visit, the team discovered a drug laboratory, where the suspects were allegedly manufacturing mandrax tablets to an estimated value of R100 million. The police also discovered an alleged new drug laboratory inside the premises where the suspects were about to manufacture crystal meth.
The suspects are expected to appear before the Pretoria Magistrates Court on Friday, 11 September 2026.

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