Pots, chemicals and a police raid

Platinum Weekly newspaper | Mogwase – A tip-off led police to another suspected drug laboratory in North West on Friday, 23 October 2026, with four people arrested and a fifth suspect still being sought. Police discovered the suspected operation at premises in Thabeng Section, Ramokokastad, in the Mogwase area near Sun City. According to police spokesperson constable Thuto Bobelo, officers executed a search and seizure warrant after receiving information about suspected drug manufacturing at the property. Inside, police found equipment and materials allegedly used to manufacture illicit drugs, including generators, gas cylinders, gas stoves, five large cooking pots, more than 100 buckets, water tanks and 20-litre plastic containers. Officers also seized 20 bags, each weighing approximately 40kg, containing suspected drug material. Various chemicals, sink baths, a cooking bay and three drying areas were also discovered. Preliminary observations suggested that the premises may have been used to manufacture Mandrax and crystal methamphetamine. The recovered substances still require analysis to establish their nature and composition. Two women, aged 71 and 24, and two men, aged 19 and 52, were arrested. A fifth suspect reportedly evaded arrest, and police are continuing efforts to trace the individual. The four arrested suspects appeared in the Mogwase Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 26 October, on charges of manufacturing and dealing in illicit drugs. The operation brought together the Provincial Tracker Team, Mogwase Crime Prevention, Rustenburg Crime Scene Investigation, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Rustenburg Crime Intelligence and the Phokeng K9 Unit. North West provincial commissioner lieutenant general Arthur Adams commended the officers, highlighting the importance of community information and coordinated policing in tackling suspected drug manufacturing.