By Priya Ranchod
Four people have been arrested and four firearms seized after police raided a plot in Scheerpoort, near Hartbeespoortdam, on the morning of Tuesday, 6 October 2026. The operation uncovered what appears to be an illicit drug laboratory.
According to North West Provincial Spokesperson Colonel Adéle Myburgh, officers from the Hartbeespoortdam Crime Prevention unit first received a tip about suspected illegal activity at the property. That information was passed to Brits Crime Intelligence and the Hartbeespoortdam K9 unit, who worked together to gather further intelligence and verify the claims before moving in.
When officers arrived at the address, they found three women and one man on the premises. A search of the property revealed what police believe to be a working drug laboratory, complete with processed drugs, a mixture used in drug production and equipment allegedly used to manufacture narcotics. Officers also recovered a rifle and three handguns.
The suspects are a Zimbabwean man aged 39 and three women aged between 23 and 29. All four have been charged with possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, as well as dealing in and manufacturing drugs in terms of the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act, 1992 (Act No. 140 of 1992). They are expected to appear before the Brits Magistrate's Court shortly.
North West Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Arthur Peter Adams praised the officers involved for their swift response and teamwork, which he said made the arrests possible. He added that the police remain committed to dismantling organised crime syndicates involved in the manufacture and distribution of drugs, and warned criminals that the South African Police Service will continue to pursue them relentlessly.
Investigations are continuing, and police are still working to establish the value of the drugs seized.
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