By Mapaballo Borotho
- Police have uncovered a suspected drug laboratory worth R100 million in the North West province.
- The discovery comes as the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry continues hearing testimony relating to major drug investigations and missing narcotics evidence.
- Authorities say the scene remains active, with more information on possible arrests expected soon.
Police have uncovered a suspected drug laboratory worth an estimated R100 million in the North West province on Wednesday, 13 May 2026.
The scene remains active, and police are expected to provide further details regarding possible arrests and the scope of the operation.
The discovery comes as the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry continues hearing testimony from police officers relating to major drug investigations and missing narcotics in South Africa.
On Tuesday, the commission heard how two officials allegedly allowed a truck carrying an undisclosed quantity of suspected drugs to travel more than 30 kilometres in order to obtain permission to open it.
Warrant Officer Marumo Magane told commissioners that he and traffic officer Samuel Mashaba did not have a search warrant to inspect the container on the truck.
He said they agreed to escort the vehicle to Aeroton so the container owner could grant permission for it to be opened and searched for drugs.
Magane’s testimony relates to the 715kg cocaine bust on 9 July 2021.
Of the drugs seized during that operation, 136kg has since gone missing, with law enforcement authorities reportedly unaware of its whereabouts.
Magane admitted that, in hindsight, officials should have obtained a search warrant while the truck was still parked in Germiston.
*This is a developing story.
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