The drugs – mandrax worth about R105-million – were discovered at a smallholding in De Deur Nigel on the Vaal.
The arrest was a joint operation between the Western Cape Hawks and Crime Intelligence, Hawks spokesman Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi said.
“The area had been monitored for few months on suspicion that a syndicate was involved in the alleged drug lab for distribution countrywide,” he said.
“The suspects aged between 27 and 59 years were arrested on Tuesday evening at a small holding whereas the police officer was arrested at his house in Bassonia on Wednesday morning.
“The investigation team recovered methaquolium, pressers, and other drug manufacturing equipment and mandrax tablets already packed and ready for distribution in De Deur including at one of the police officer’s houses.”
