Four suspects aged between 21 and 25 have been arrested following the discovery of a suspected drug laboratory at a house in Meadowlands, Soweto, the South African Police Service (SAPS) announced.
Gauteng Organised Crime Investigations' Tracing and Narcotics teams, working closely with Police Emergency Services Flexi and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) Serious Organised Crime Investigations, made the arrests on Friday, 16 October 2026.
Surveillance leads to arrests
According to police, the team received information about suspected illicit drug-related activities at the premises and conducted surveillance on the evening of 15 October 2026. Further information indicated that the suspects might be in the process of moving suspected drugs. Officers then proceeded to the house, where the four individuals were arrested.
Drug lab discovered in family home
The premises is a family residence. Police discovered the suspected drug-manufacturing operation in a room at the back of the house. A substantial quantity of pills, believed to have been manufactured elsewhere, was also found on the property.
Scene processing and seizures
All necessary resources were mobilised, including the Criminal Record and Crime Scene Management units, who are processing the scene. Equipment and chemicals found at the premises have been seized for further investigation and analysis.
Case handed to the Hawks
The case has been handed over to the DPCI (Hawks) for further investigation. The four suspects are expected to appear in court soon to face drug-related charges.