Hawks dismantle drug lab in Soweto
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) has raided a drug laboratory in Dobsonville, Soweto.
A 25 year-old suspect has also been arrested.
Hawks spokesperson Hangwani Mulaudzi says a multi-disciplinary operation between the Western Cape Hawks' South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau (SANEB) and Crime Intelligence raided and closed down the multi-million rand laboratory.
"The criminal operation was on the Hawks' radar for over a month after it was found that the mandrax drugs that were being manufactured were allegedly becoming a menace in the Western Cape and other parts of the country," Mulaudzi says.
Mulaudzi says the team also found a large quantity of mandrax tablets hidden inside the boot of a car in Orlando East.
"Two suspects were immediately arrested, however after detailed interviews they were released as they were not linked to the drugs," Mulaudzi says.
The 25-year-old suspect arrested during the first raid is expected to appear at the Roodepoort Magistrates Court on Thursday.
"Investigations continue and more arrests cannot be ruled out. The correct value of the drugs and chemicals seized during operation will be determined later," Mulaudzi says.