Ramokokastad discovery follows major suspected drug manufacturing busts in Swartruggens, Jericho and Hartbeespoort Dam
Four people have been arrested following the discovery of a suspected clandestine drug laboratory at Thabeng Section in Ramokokastad, near Sun City, in the latest operation targeting suspected drug manufacturing activities in North West.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) said the discovery was made on Friday, 23 October 2026, after officers executed a search and seizure warrant based on information about suspected drug production at the premises.
Police seized an assortment of equipment and materials believed to be associated with illicit drug manufacturing, including generators, gas cylinders, gas stoves, five large cooking pots, refuse bins, more than 100 buckets, water tanks and 20 litre plastic containers.
The operation also yielded 20 bags, each weighing approximately 40kg, containing suspected drug material, as well as various chemicals, sink baths, a cooking bay and three drying areas.
Preliminary observations suggested that the premises may have been used to manufacture Mandrax and crystal methamphetamine. Police said further investigation and appropriate analysis would be necessary to establish the composition of the recovered substances.
The arrested suspects are two women, aged 71 and 24, and two men, aged 19 and 52. A fifth suspect reportedly escaped arrest, and police efforts to locate the individual are continuing.
The four suspects are expected to appear before the Mogwase Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 26 October, on charges relating to the manufacture and dealing of illicit drugs.
The Ramokokastad discovery comes amid a series of significant police operations involving suspected drug manufacturing facilities at different locations across North West.
In May, police arrested 11 suspects following the discovery of a large scale suspected methamphetamine manufacturing facility on a farm in Swartruggens. The operation on 13 May involved specialised police units, Crime Intelligence and the Hawks.
According to the Hawks, approximately 481kg of suspected methamphetamine had been seized during the initial processing of the scene, with the quantity potentially increasing as forensic work continued. Authorities estimated the value of the suspected illicit drug laboratory at more than R1 billion. The suspects faced charges including drug manufacturing and offences relating to hazardous materials and precious metals.
Another suspected laboratory was uncovered at a farm in Klipvoorstad, near Jericho, in September. Police acted after community members reported suspicious activities and a strong chemical smell coming from the property.
A 62 year old man was arrested, while three other men reportedly fled. Preliminary police findings indicated that the operation may have been involved in manufacturing crystal methamphetamine. Chemicals, raw materials and suspected drug manufacturing equipment were among the items discovered. The Hawks in Rustenburg took over the investigation.
In October, four people were arrested after police uncovered another suspected drug laboratory at a property in Skeerpoort, near Hartbeespoort Dam. The operation, reported on 6 October, resulted in the seizure of processed drugs, a drug production mixture, manufacturing equipment and four firearms, including a rifle and three handguns.
The suspects faced charges relating to drug manufacturing and dealing, as well as the alleged possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
The latest discovery at Ramokokastad therefore represents another major suspected drug manufacturing operation uncovered in the province within a period of several months. The cases involve different locations and suspected substances, and there is no confirmed evidence in the available reports that the operations are connected.
The province also saw a suspected Mandrax manufacturing laboratory uncovered at Thulwe, near Makapanstad, in December 2025.
The Hawks arrested six suspects, aged between 44 and 55, after finding them allegedly involved in manufacturing Mandrax tablets. Officers seized finished tablets, powder, a drug press, a crusher machine, scales and packaging materials.
The case was investigated by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit, working with the Counter Narcotics and Gangs unit.
The discoveries at Makapanstad, Swartruggens, Klipvoorstad, Skeerpoort and now Ramokokastad demonstrate the continued focus of law enforcement agencies on suspected drug manufacturing activities in North West. However, the individual cases do not by themselves establish the overall scale of production in the province or prove the existence of a single coordinated network.
Police call for continued cooperation
The Ramokokastad operation involved the Provincial Tracker Team, Mogwase Crime Prevention, Rustenburg Crime Scene Investigation, the Hawks’ Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Rustenburg Crime Intelligence and the Phokeng K9 Unit.
North West Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Arthur Peter Adams commended the officers for their coordinated efforts and highlighted the importance of intelligence led policing and information supplied by communities.
He said the manufacture and distribution of illicit drugs posed a serious threat to community safety and well being, particularly among young people.
Adams said police would continue intensifying operations aimed at identifying and dismantling drug manufacturing facilities and bringing those responsible before the courts.
Investigations into the Ramokokastad discovery remain ongoing, including efforts to trace the outstanding suspect and establish the nature of the substances recovered.
The four arrested suspects remain accused persons. The allegations against them must be tested through the judicial process.