By Akani Nkuna
The South African Police Service’s (SAPS) Crime Intelligence Unit has arrested 11 suspects, including four Mexican nationals and one woman, after uncovering a drug manufacturing laboratory worth an estimated R100 million on a farm in Swartruggens, North West.
North West Acting Police Commissioner Major General Ryno Naidoo told reporters at the scene that police launched an investigation several days ago after community members reported a foul smell emanating from the farm.
“When they took down this place they discovered a crystal meth laboratory, huge quantities of chemicals. On further searching of the property they also found a gold processing plant,” said Naidoo.
Naidoo said the farm was operating under the guise of a game lodge, but its “real business” was drug manufacturing and gold processing.
Three of the arrested suspects are South African citizens, while the others are foreign nationals from Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Mexico. Police said verification processes were still under way.
Naidoo described the bust as one of the largest operations encountered by SAPS investigators in the country.
“The quantities are definitely also stuff that is being pushed out. So we are glad that they have taken it down and we are able to disrupt this kind of business,” he added.
He said the estimated production capacity of the laboratory could have generated between R200 million and R250 million.
Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane welcomed the operation, saying it reflected SAPS’ commitment to dismantling organised crime syndicates involved in the manufacturing and distribution of illicit drugs.
Dimpane said police operations conducted across the country over the past week resulted in the arrest of 280 suspects for drug dealing, while a further 2,573 people were detained for possession of illegal substances.
“The latest drug bust must send a stern warning to criminals that SAPS remains resolute and relentless in the fight against crime,” Dimpane said.
“We will continue to intensify operations aimed at disrupting and dismantling drug networks operating within our communities.”
