Five foreign nationals have been arrested after a suspected crystal methamphetamine manufacturing operation worth an estimated R600 million was uncovered on a farm in Musina, Limpopo.
The suspects, aged between 20 and 47, were arrested during a late-night operation on Thursday by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), working with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and several law enforcement agencies.
Hawks spokesperson Colonel Avele Fumba said the operation followed a two-month investigation into suspected drug manufacturing activities at the farm.
Two Mexican nationals, two Zimbabwean nationals and one Malawian national were arrested. Drugs and laboratory equipment with an estimated street value of R600 million, as well as an undisclosed amount of cash, were seized during the operation.
Fumba said the raid uncovered what appeared to be a sophisticated, industrial-scale clandestine laboratory allegedly used to manufacture illicit drugs for distribution.
The operation involved the Hawks, SAPS, South African Narcotics Bureau Head Office, Crime Intelligence Head Office, Hawks Limpopo, the Special Task Force, Drug Enforcement Agency and Homeland Security.
According to the Hawks, this is the third clandestine drug laboratory to be shut down in Limpopo.
Hawks Limpopo provincial head Major General Advocate Gopz Govender said the seizure had disrupted an entire criminal enterprise.
“We have struck at the machinery behind the drug trade. This R600 million seizure is not merely a quantity of drugs taken off the streets; it represents the disruption of an entire criminal enterprise,” Govender said.
“We will follow the money, the networks and every person connected to this operation. There will be nowhere to hide.”
Limpopo police provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers said the operation demonstrated law enforcement’s determination to protect communities from illicit drugs.
“We will not allow our communities to become markets for criminal syndicates. Those who manufacture and distribute these dangerous substances must know that law enforcement is closing in on them,” Scheepers said.
The suspects are expected to appear in the Musina Magistrate’s Court on Monday, where they will face charges relating to the manufacture and possession of illicit drugs.
The Hawks said additional charges could be added as the investigation continues.
