Last updated on August 28th, 2024 at 11:06 am
A multimillion-dollar meth lab was discovered by South African authorities on a farm in Groblersdal. The raid was carried out by the SAPS and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, popularly known as the Hawks, following reports of suspicious activities on the farm.
Large Quantities of Illicit Chemicals Seized
In the raid of the premises by the police, officers also seized massive quantities of illicit chemicals used for producing drugs from acetone to crystal meth. The speculation of the street value of the confiscated drugs is put at 2 billion South African rand or equivalent to about $109.4 million.
Arrests and Further Charges
They arrested four people, including the farm’s owner and two Mexican nationals, as suspects in the case involving the drug laboratory. The Hawks have since declared that there could be more arrests in relation to the incidents.
Minister of Police Hails Operation
The Minister of Police, Mr. Senzo Mchunu of South Africa, has hailed the operation as one of its kind since the interception of the major clandestine drug lab to the value of R2 billion. Teamwork from the Limpopo Hawks and SAPS made the operation possible.
Katlego Mogale, national spokesperson of the Hawks, said the investigation was being seen as different from other cases by the involvement of Mexican nationals. Mogale said this twist adds a further level of complications to the investigation.
Drug Destinations Unknown
It’s not clear if the seized drugs were meant for the South African market or for export. The Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs said no consular notification had been issued through the country’s embassy in South Africa, but it was liaising with local officials to gather information regarding the case.
Next Court Appearance of Accused
The suspects are expected to appear in the Groblersdal Magistrate’s Court on Monday, facing charges of manufacturing, dealing in, and possession of drugs.
Background on Drug Laboratories Seized
The South African security apparatus has been on record for closing some 131 drug labs across the country from as early as 2019. In addition, police have, in the recent times, nabbed more than 19,000 individuals in relation to drug possession during the just-concluded festive season.
