Two foreign nationals in their late 30s have been arrested in Erasmia, Pretoria, for allegedly manufacturing illicit drugs, including Mandrax tablets valued at an estimated R100 million.
The suspects were arrested on Wednesday, 9 September 2026, during a joint operation involving members of the Hawks’ South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau (SANEB), Crime Intelligence, K9 West Rand and the Special Task Force in Pretoria.
The operation followed information received by the multidisciplinary team about a suspected drug manufacturing laboratory operating on a smallholding in Erasmia.
Police said the team followed up on the intelligence and proceeded to the premises, where they allegedly discovered a fully operational drug laboratory.
According to the Hawks, the suspects were allegedly manufacturing Mandrax tablets with an estimated street value of R100 million.
Investigators also uncovered what appeared to be a newly established drug laboratory inside the premises, where the suspects were allegedly preparing to manufacture crystal methamphetamine.
The arrests form part of a broader national law enforcement effort involving the South African Police Service (SAPS), Hawks, Customs and other agencies to intensify the fight against the manufacturing and distribution of illicit drugs.
The two suspects are expected to appear before the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 11 September 2026.
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