Two foreign nationals were arrested after Hawks investigators uncovered a suspected multimillion-rand mandrax-manufacturing laboratory in Erasmia, west of Pretoria. According to reports, the arrests followed the discovery of the facility by the elite police unit, which is responsible for investigating serious organised crime. Authorities allege the laboratory was used to produce mandrax, a drug commonly traded in South Africa. Further details about the suspects and the value of seized materials have not been disclosed.
AI summary. Verify with the original source.
Listen
Unlock audio summaries, audio summaries, AI chat, Wikipedia facts, and ad-free reading.
$3.99 / month · cancel anytime
Go PremiumBackground facts
Unlock wikipedia facts, audio summaries, AI chat, Wikipedia facts, and ad-free reading.
$3.99 / month · cancel anytime
Go PremiumSimilar stories

Two men have been arrested following a drug operation by Western Cape police, who confiscated over 250 ecstasy tablets in Cape Town's Long Street, according to The South African.
The South African·July 5, 2026 at 1:42 PM
Police in South Africa have arrested a second suspected drug mule within four days at OR Tambo International Airport. According to The Citizen, the suspect was detained while en route to Hong Kong, China. The arrest marks the latest in a series of drug trafficking interceptions at the airport, though authorities have not yet released further details about the suspect's identity or the quantity and type of drugs involved in the case.
The Citizen (ZA)·September 8, 2026 at 4:21 AMAuthorities in Cape Town have arrested two suspects after intercepting a vehicle that was transporting 743 units of illegally harvested abalone. This operation marks a significant breakthrough in the ongoing fight against marine poaching in the region.
IOL·June 24, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Suspects arrested for possession of precious metals are expected to appear in a Gauteng court, according to SABC News. The suspects were arrested at a property in Greenstone, east of Johannesburg. Details on the number of suspects and the specific metals involved were not provided in the report.
SABC News (SA)·September 9, 2026 at 4:04 PMSouth African police have arrested a 45-year-old man at OR Tambo International Airport after seizing approximately two kilograms of cocaine valued at more than R800,000. According to police, the arrest formed part of an intelligence-led operation targeting drug trafficking through the airport. The suspect is expected to face charges related to drug dealing and trafficking. Authorities have not disclosed further details about the man's identity, his intended destination, or whether additional arrests are expected.
IOL·September 9, 2026 at 3:55 AM
A foreign national has been arrested in the Eastern Cape by the Hawks, following a significant breakthrough in a complex child kidnapping and extortion case. The individual is reportedly linked to the crime, which has raised concerns about the sophistication of such criminal activities in the region.
The Citizen (ZA)·June 25, 2026 at 1:22 AM