Hawks find third hidden drug lab in Standerton crackdown [PICS]

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) uncovered a third clandestine laboratory in Standerton, Mpumalanga, just one month after two laboratories and a warehouse containing chemicals used for drug manufacturing were also discovered in the town.

Last month, two labs were discovered on Mahonie Street and Rooikopen farm, identified as a warehouse containing chemicals believed to be used in drug manufacturing.

The authorities kept all three sites as active crime scenes until a cleaning company, supported by the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation, Hawks Supply Chain Management, and Standerton police, cleaned and purified the areas.

Underground lab entrance found under containers

Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi said that before the cleaning process could start, the Hawks received information that there was an entrance to an underground laboratory underneath one of the containers.

“The Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation followed up the clues whereby the underground entrance was identified,” Nkosi said.

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“Machinery believed to be used in the illegal manufacturing of drugs, drums, and plastic containers filled with substances was recovered.”

The Hawks cannot confirm the value of the retrieved chemicals and equipment until they conduct further investigation.

Police are currently guarding the scene to allow the Forensic Science Laboratory (Chemistry) to analyse the recovered machinery and substances.

Police guarding scene

Major General Nico Gerber, the head of the Mpumalanga provincial Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, applauded members for following up on the information and uncovering further drug consignments.

“The Hawks will leave no stone uncovered to dismantle the enterprise and the associated structures,” Nkosi said.

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When the first laboratory was found, six Mozambican suspects, aged 19 to 60, were arrested after they were found with chemicals and machinery worth about R20 million.

When the Hawks discovered the second lab, they arrested two South Africans.

Nkosi confirmed that all eight suspects remain behind bars following their arrests.

In April 2025, law enforcement officials also seized eleven vehicles—including high-performance luxury cars—and millions of rands.