South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission has heard evidence alleging that government scientists produced hundreds of kilograms of the drug Ecstasy towards the end of the apartheid era.

A scientist at a secret research centre Johan Koekemoer said he was told the drug would be used to control rioting crowds and pacify suspects under interrogation.

A BBC correspondent in Johannesburg says it's the latest in a series of bizarre allegations at the Commission's hearing into chemical and biological warfare.

It has been alleged that government scientists produced poison-tipped screwdrivers and umbrellas, and cigarettes laced with deadly viral agents.

The Commission,which is investigating human rights abuse and political crimes during the apartheid era, has also heard that there were plans to poison medication given to President Mandela while he was still in prison.