By Delicious Mathuthu
Groblersdal, Limpopo, South Africa – In a significant breakthrough in the fight against drugs in South Africa, a joint operation between the Limpopo awks and South African Police Services (SAPS) on Friday (19/07/2024) has led to the arrest of four suspects, including the farm owner and two Mexican nationals, and a discovery of a clandestine drug laboratory worth an estimated R2 billion.
In a joint statement, the Ministry of Police and the Hawks say intelligence led them to a farm in Groblersdal.
The search and seizure operation uncovered large quantities of chemicals used in the manufacturing of illicit drugs, including acetone and crystal meth.
“In the continuing war against drugs by the Hawks, four (4) suspects including the farm owner and two Mexican nationals were arrested on 19 July 2024 in an intelligence driven operation by members of Limpopo Serious Organised Crime Investigation (SOCI) team assisted by the Limpopo Tactical Response Team at a farm in Groblersdal where a multimillion clandestine laboratory was discovered,” part of the statement reads.
“Four structures on the property were searched and large quantities of chemicals used in the manufacturing of illicit drugs including acetone as well as crystal meth with an estimated street value of R2 billion were recovered.”
This bust is the latest in a series of successful operations by the Hawks, with ten clandestine drug laboratories uncovered so far and 34 arrests made since the beginning of the year.
“The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation has since the beginning of this year uncovered ten (10) clandestine drug laboratories and made 34 arrests.
The arrested suspects will appear in the Groblersdal Magistrate’s Court on Monday, July 22, 2024 facing manufacturing, dealing, and possession of illicit drugs charges.
More arrests connected to the bust are anticipated as investigations continue.
“Whilst the investigation continues, the arrested suspects will make their first appearance in the Groblersdal Magistrate’s court on the 22nd of July 2024 on charges of manufacturing, dealing and possession of illicit drugs.
“The Hawks are not ruling out the possibility of more suspects being arrested,” the statement reads.
