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
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