Police Uncover Illegal Drug Lab at Rooikopen Farm in Standerton, Mpumalanga

Standerton – Authorities have uncovered an illicit underground drug manufacturing operation at Rooikopen Farm in Standerton, Mpumalanga.

As per Mpumalanga Hawks’ spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi, the discovery was made on Wednesday, (14 May 2025), just over a month following the uncovering of two secret labs on Mahonie Street and at Rooikopen Farm.

Lieutenant Colonel Nkosi emphasized that the labs are regarded as active crime scenes until a sanitation service is engaged to cleanse them.

He noted that the illegal facility was found before the cleaning process commenced.

Attentive officials noticed an access point leading underground beneath one of the containers.

“The Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation followed various leads that led to the discovery of the underground entrance,” stated Lieutenant Colonel Nkosi.

“Items believed to be used for illicit drug production, along with drums and plastic containers containing various substances, were seized.”

“The Hawks are unable to ascertain the value of the confiscated equipment and chemicals until further investigations are concluded.”

Lieutenant Colonel Nkosi further stated that the site is under police observation to allow for an assessment by the Forensic Science Laboratory (Chemistry) of the seized items and substances.

Eight individuals, including two South Africans and six Mozambicans, are currently in custody following their arrests in the initial two drug lab raids.

RELATED: Hawks Raid Mpumalanga Warehouse, Farm: 6 Arrests, Chemicals For Drug Production Recovered – The Bulrushes

In April 2025, eleven vehicles, including high-end luxury models and millions in cash, were seized.

Major General Nico Gerber, Mpumalanga Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, praised members for following leads that led to the uncovering of further drug shipments.

“The Hawks are resolute in dismantling this operation and its related structures,” declared Major General Gerber.