The News was given rare access inside a suspected Mandrax laboratory near Oaktree, following a major police raid in the early hours of October 8.

Inside the large building, the scale of the operation quickly became apparent. Large containers and trays were filled with the fine powder used in the manufacturing process, while industrial machines stood ready to produce tablets.

Dozens of large bags containing completed Mandrax tablets were also found inside the building. Police said the tablets have an estimated street value of between R30 and R40 each.

• Also read: 5 arrested after R100m Mandrax bust at Oaktree farm

The crime scene remained a hazardous environment, with traces of drugs and chemicals present in the air. Journalists entering the building were required to wear respirators and follow strict instructions not to touch anything.

Evidence inside the facility had been marked and numbered by investigators as police continued processing the scene.

• Read the initial article here: Multi-million-rand drug lab uncovered at Krugersdorp plot

The laboratory was raided by a multidisciplinary police team, including K9 Search and Rescue, Tactical Response Teams and the Hawks, after suspects were allegedly caught in the act on a farm near the sinkhole along the R563.

For a closer look at what was found inside the suspected R100m drug laboratory, The News takes you inside the scene.

Watch the tour here

@caxton.jhbwest Step inside the R100m Mandrax lab near Oaktree, Krugersdorp, where police uncovered an operation hidden in plain sight on October 8, 2026. #fyp #bust #southafricanpolice #arrests ♬ original sound – Caxton JHB West

View the gallery here