Editor-DN
Police added that the Hawks are not ruling out the possibility of more arrests.
Police in South Africa have arrested four people, including two Mexican nationals, after discovering a multi-million dollar drug manufacturing laboratory on a farm in the north of the country. CNN Reported
According to a SAPS statement, the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, known as the Hawks, raided the property in Groblersdal following reports of suspicious activity.
Upon searching four structures on the farm, police discovered large quantities of chemicals used in the manufacture of illegal drugs, such as acetone and crystal meth, with an estimated street value of 2 billion South African rand ($109.4 million).
The farm owner and two Mexican nationals are among the four suspects arrested on Friday. Police added that the Hawks are not ruling out the possibility of more arrests.
#sapSHAWKS The Minister of Police, Mr Senzo Mchono, MP, welcomed the significant arrests made on 19 July 2024 by a joint team of the Limpopo Hawks and the Limpopo SAPS in the discovery of a clandestine drug lab worth R2 billion in Groblersdal. #DrugsOffTheStreets ML… pic.twitter.com/9ErFydp0Th
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) July 20, 2024
“What makes it different from other (tours) is the involvement of Mexican nationals,” Katligo Mogle, the Hawks’ national spokesman, told Reuters, adding: “It means our job just got a lot harder. Is.”
It is unclear whether the seized drugs were intended for the South African market or for export.
Mexico’s foreign ministry said its embassy in South Africa had not received the necessary consular notification and was in contact with local authorities to gather details about the case and Mexico’s alleged involvement.
According to police, the suspects are due to appear in the Groblersdal Magistrate’s Court on Monday to face charges of manufacturing, dealing and illegal possession of drugs.
In January, police reported that 131 drug labs have been shut down across the country since 2019. During the festive season last year, more than 19,000 people were arrested for drug possession.
So far this year, the Hawks have discovered 10 clandestine drug labs and arrested 34 people, the statement said.
