The Asset Forfeiture Unit has secured a court order to freeze assets worth R178.6 million linked to what authorities describe as a large-scale Mandrax manufacturing operation in Standerton.
The Middelburg High Court granted the preservation order this week, authorising authorities to freeze three properties, 12 luxury vehicles, R3 138 730 in cash and equipment allegedly used to manufacture illegal drugs.
The National Prosecuting Authority’s Asset Forfeiture Unit worked with the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit to obtain the order under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act.
Major bust uncovers industrial-scale operation
The investigation began when a multi-disciplinary law enforcement team executed a search warrant at 21 Factory Street in Standerton on 4 April 2025. Officers found large quantities of chemicals, industrial drums, machinery and equipment allegedly used to produce illegal drugs. Police arrested four Mozambican nationals at the scene.
Information from that raid led authorities to Rooikoppen Farm, about five kilometres away. Police discovered what they describe as a fully operational clandestine Mandrax laboratory containing industrial tanks, chemicals, machinery, ovens, sieves, scales and protective equipment. Officers arrested two more Mozambican nationals at the farm.
Four days later, on 8 April 2025, investigators searched a property at 18 Mahonie Street in Flora Park. Police recovered tablet-pressing machinery, containers of finished powder product, a Mandrax tablet marked “BOSS” and other equipment linked to drug production. Three South African suspects were arrested.
Forensic tests confirm methaqualone
The SAPS Forensic Science Laboratory examined samples from 21 Factory Street and Rooikoppen Farm and confirmed the presence of methaqualone and ortho-toluidine, a chemical used to make methaqualone.
At 18 Mahonie Street, forensic analysis showed that exhibits weighing 544.43 kg contained methaqualone. The recovered tablet and swabs from the tablet-pressing equipment also tested positive for the substance. Authorities estimate the finished product has a street value of about R178 646 104.
Officers also found R3 138 730 in cash in the boot of a Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG at the Flora Park property. The money was deposited into a SAPS suspense account.
Luxury vehicles and properties seized
The preserved assets include a BMW X5, a Toyota Hilux and an Isuzu truck recovered at 21 Factory Street. Assets from 18 Mahonie Street include several BMW vehicles, two Volkswagen Golf GTIs, a Range Rover Sport, a Toyota Dyna truck, a Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG and a Venter trailer.
A financial investigation traced the ownership of the properties and vehicles. Investigators found that several assets were registered in the names of relatives or associates, while other individuals allegedly controlled, financed or benefited from them.
The AFU argues the property represents either proceeds of unlawful activities or tools used to commit offences under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act.
A preservation order is an interim civil measure designed to protect property pending forfeiture proceedings. It does not represent a finding of criminal guilt. Forfeiture proceedings are independent of any criminal prosecution and are determined on a balance of probabilities.
Two criminal matters from the three locations remain before the Standerton Regional Court. One accused person disappeared after being released on bail of R100 000, which was forfeited to the state. Another accused person has died.
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