Authorities have confirmed the dismantling of a major drug operation in Standerton, following a months-long investigation led by a multi-agency task team.
The operation, which dates back to 2024, has resulted in nine arrests, the discovery of two drug laboratories, and the seizure of drugs and equipment estimated to be worth more than R48 million.
Initial Discovery: Industrial Site used as Storage Facility
According to South African Police Service, on 4 April, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at an industrial building after receiving a community tip-off.
Officers discovered large quantities of liquid and powder chemicals, along with manufacturing equipment.
Authorities confirmed that suspects used the site to store materials linked to drug production.
Police arrested four Mozambican nationals at the scene and apprehended a fifth, also Mozambican, shortly afterwards. All of them entered South Africa illegally.
Further investigation led police to a farm, where they uncovered a hidden drug laboratory.
Police arrested a Mozambican couple at this location, the parents of one of the earlier suspects. They also lacked legal documentation to be in the country.
All six suspects appeared in the Standerton Magistrate’s Court on 7 April 2025.
Second Operation Leads to Major Seizure at Residential Property
On 8 April, acting on fresh intelligence, officers conducted additional searches.
While a farm linked to the case was empty, police proceeded to a residential address where they found:
- A tablet-pressing machine
- A disassembled industrial machine valued at over R 2 million
- A petrol generator
- Buckets of finished powder products, estimated at R 28 million in value
Authorities implicated three South African men — they arrested two immediately, and the third surrendered voluntarily.
They appeared in court on 10 April 2025.
During the raids, a Mercedes Benz, found with R 3.6 million in cash in its boot, and a white Isuzu van from a second address are now in police custody.
The court released one suspect, but eight remain in custody. The magistrate will hear their formal bail application on 25 April 2025.
Labs Dismantled Across the Country
This operation is part of a wider national crackdown on drug trafficking. Since mid-2024, SAPS has dismantled several drug labs in:
- Limpopo (Groblersdal & Makotse Village)
- Tshwane (Rietfontein)
- Johannesburg (Kibler Park)
- Vanderbijlpark
These operations have led to drug seizures valued in the billions, with R 5.2 billion worth of drugs destroyed in the past three years alone.
Immigration and Border Security Under Scrutiny
Officials also noted a pattern in recent drug arrests — while South African citizens play a role, a significant number of suspects are illegal foreign nationals.
Law enforcement has called for stronger immigration checks and border security measures.
The JCPS Cluster will hold a meeting later this month to focus on tightening border control and reinforcing national security efforts.
Authorities commended all law enforcement teams involved in the Standerton operation and urged community members to assist by reporting suspicious activity.
Do you think local authorities are doing enough to fight drug crime in your area?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
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