Drug Lab worth R 2 billion uncovered in Groblersdal

Four suspects, including a farm owner and two Mexican nationals, were arrested during a raid at a drug lab in Groblersdal, Limpopo on Saturday.  It is said that the Hawks in Limpopo received information about suspicious activities taking place at the farm.

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.

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This is after an intelligence-driven operation by members of the Limpopo Serious Organised Crime Investigation (SOCI) team assisted by the Limpopo Tactical Response Team. The multi-million clandestine laboratory was subsequently discovered in the Sekhukhune District.

HAWKS DISCOVER A DRUG LAB WORTH R2 BILLION AT A LIMPOPO FARM IN GROBLERSDAL

“In terms of the operation that we are engaged in here. It’s to deal with illegal manufacturing of drugs,” said Hawks boss Godfrey Lebeya.

“The manufacturing of drugs and consumption as well as exportation has always been a problem not only in South Africa but around the world. As you can see in the middle of the bushes it’s where the laboratory has been set. It would appear that it has been operating for some time.

“The understanding is that this is not just an ordinary organised criminal group. It’s actually an international organized crime group. So they operate across national borders.”

Whilst the investigation continues, the arrested suspects will make their first appearance in the Groblersdal Magistrate’s court on Monday. They are facing charges of manufacturing, dealing and possession of illicit drugs.   Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu has also welcomed the arrests.

Meanwhile, since the beginning of this year, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation has uncovered 10 clandestine drug laboratories and made 34 arrests.