super 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.”

Super labs are large-scale drug manufacturing operations using specialised and imported equipment, typically located in remote areas like farms and small holdings to avoid detection. They manufacture significant quantities of drugs, which are then distributed through complex networks. In July 2024, a super lab in Groblersdal, Limpopo Province, manufacturing methamphetamine valued at about R2 billion was dismantled by the DPCI, with five suspects arrested.

“Super labs are large-scaled drug manufacturing operations using specialised equipment and producing drugs in significant quantities. They have extensive infrastructure with specially designed equipment, extraction fans, and reactor vessels. The special equipment is available in the country but is predominantly imported. Super labs are usually found in remote areas on farms and small holdings. These locations reduce the likelihood that activities such as unusual odours associated with manufacturing of large volumes of drugs, noise, or waste disposal will be observed. Once the drugs have been manufactured, they are distributed or disseminated into the market via complex networks. A manufacturer who has a super lab and thereafter distributes the drugs within their own network is referred to as an apex role player or syndicated leader. In July 2024, the DPCI detected and successfully dismantled a super lab on a farm in Groblersdal, Limpopo Province, where methamphetamine was being produced. Methamphetamine to the value of approximately R2-billion was seized and five suspects were arrested.”