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Picture courtesy (Limpopo Chrinicle) Four suspects, including a farm owner and two Mexican nationals, were detained on Friday for drug lab valued at R2 billion in Groblersdal, Limpopo.
(The Post News)- Four suspects who were detained on Friday at a farm in Groblersdal, Limpopo, where a clandestine laboratory valued at R2 billion was found, are scheduled to appear in court for the first time on Monday, July 22.
The accused are scheduled to appear before the Groblersdal Magistrate’s Court to answer allegations of producing, distributing, and possessing illegal substances.
The four suspects, including a farm owner and two Mexican nationals, were detained on Friday after an intelligence-driven operation by members of the Limpopo Serious Organised Crime Investigation (SOCI) team with assistance from the Limpopo Tactical Response Team.
According to the National Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, spokesperson Katlego Mogale said the Hawks in Limpopo were notified of questionable actions occurring at the property.
“It is reported that the Hawks in Limpopo received information about suspicious activities taking place at the farm, which was then operationalized, and the multi-disciplinary team pounced. 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,” said the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (HAWKS) in a statement on Saturday.
During a search of four buildings on the property, police discovered large amounts of chemicals used in the production of illegal drugs, including acetone and crystal meth, with an estimated street value of R2 billion.
The police stated on Saturday that the laboratory was located in Groblersdal, a small hamlet in the northeastern province of Limpopo.
The Hawks have uncovered 10 clandestine drug laboratories and made 34 arrests since the beginning of this year.
According to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, South Africa is a growing market for synthetic narcotics due to its role as a key drug transit nation, which is influenced by its geographic location and connections to other countries.
The Hawks have not ruled out the possibility of more suspects being arrested in connection with this case.
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