kitchen labs

Synthetic drugs in South Africa are made by chemical processes rather than derived from natural plants, with chemicals sourced through lawful supply chains but diverted for unlawful purposes. Controlled substances used to manufacture synthetic drugs are also imported illegally or smuggled into South Africa. The most prevalent synthetic drugs are methamphetamine (crystal meth or tik), and methaqualone (Mandrax). Facilities producing synthetic drugs are called clandestine drug laboratories (CDLs), including super labs and kitchen labs. Kitchen labs are often located in businesses or residential areas and use readily available equipment like stoves.

“Synthetic drugs are manufactured through chemical processes rather than derived from natural plants sources. In many instances, since they are not classified as controlled substances in South Africa, the chemicals used to manufacture the drug are sourced through lawful supply chains but are then diverted or misused for unlawful purposes. Controlled substances are also imported illegally or smuggled into South Africa. The most prevalent synthetic drugs in the country are methamphetamine, known as crystal meth or tik, methaqualone, known as mandrax. Synthetic drugs are manufactured at what is referred to as clandestine drug laboratories or CDLs. There are super labs and kitchen labs. Kitchen labs are found in businesses and residential areas and the equipment used to manufacture the drugs are the readily available equipment such as stoves and other kitchen equipment or appliances.”