Clandestine drug lab worth R2 billion uncovered in Limpopo; four suspects arrested

The Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, MP, welcomed the outstanding arrests effected in the discovery of a drug lab in Groblersdal by a joint team of Limpopo Hawks and Limpopo SAPS.

In the continuing war against drugs by the Hawks, four (4) suspects including the farm owner and two Mexican nationals were arrested on 19 July in an intelligence driven operation by members of Limpopo Serious Organised Crime Investigation (SOCI) team assisted by the Limpopo Tactical Response Team at a farm in Groblersdal where a multi million clandestine laboratory was discovered.

It is reported that the Hawks in Limpopo received information about suspicious activities taking place at the farm, which was then operationalised and the multi-disciplinary team pounced. Four structures on the property were searched on 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.

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation has since the beginning of this year uncovered ten (10) clandestine drug laboratories and made 34 arrests. Whilst the investigation continues, the arrested suspects will make their first appearance in the Groblersdal Magistrate’s court on the 22 July on charges of manufacturing, dealing and possession of illicit drugs. The Hawks are not ruling out the possibility of more suspects being arrested.

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