Staff Reporter
Eleven suspects arrested on Wednesday after police discovered a drug lab in Swartruggens, North West, are expected to make their first appearance in the Swartruggens Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
The suspects face charges related to drug manufacturing, illegal possession of precious metals, illegal possession of hazardous materials and contravention of the Immigration Act, according to police.
The arrests followed an intelligence-driven operation conducted by Crime Intelligence Head Office, the Organised Crime Head Office, and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation’s (DPCI) South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau (SANEB), and other stakeholders.
The suspects include five Mexican nationals, two Mozambican nationals, one Zimbabwean national, and three South Africans, according to police.
“The operation led to the discovery of a large-scale illegal drug manufacturing facility believed to be involved in the production of methamphetamine,” police said.
“During the operation, law enforcement officers seized tons of equipment and chemicals used in the manufacturing of illegal drugs, as well as three firearms.”
Police said about 481 kilograms of methamphetamine had been confiscated.
“The estimated value of the illicit drug laboratory exceeds R1 billion,” police said.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the discovered laboratory is the fourth drug laboratory in South Africa with alleged Mexican links.
“At this stage, the owners of the property have not yet been located. However, the owner’s son and other relatives were among those arrested. The owners are currently required for questioning as investigations continue.
“Due to the sensitive nature of the ongoing investigation, certain information cannot be divulged at this stage and will be communicated in due course. Investigations remain ongoing,” said police.
The case follows previous major drug-lab busts in the country involving Mexican nationals, including a July 2024 raid on an industrial-scale methamphetamine laboratory in Groblersdal, Limpopo, in which four people, including two Mexican nationals, were arrested.
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