Blow to growing drug trade in province
With shocking reports this week of a drug lab on a farm on the outskirts of Groblersdal worth R2 billion being busted by police, a local drug syndicate has also been dealt a blow after two suspects were arrested in Modimolle.
The two foreign nationals, aged 38 and 45, appeared in the Modimolle Magistrates Court on Monday 22 July. Their arrest came as police operations targeted organised crime and the trafficking of narcotics across the province, provincial spokesperson Col. Malesela Ledwaba said.
“Following a lengthy investigation about a drug syndicate operating in Modimolle, a targeted operation was conducted on Friday, 19 July by the Provincial Organised Crime Unit, Technical Response Team, Local Criminal Record Centre, and local detectives,” he said. The 45-year-ol29d suspect was arrested at his house in Phagameng.
The police found crystal meth and cocaine worth about R2 000. His 38-year-old accomplice was apprehended in Extension 10.
According to Col. Ledwaba there is evidence linking the two to a distribution network within the community and more arrests are likely to follow.
Local law enforcement officials told The Post that the most common drugs used in the area are nyope and crystal meth. It is a growing problem and addicts often turn to other crimes to fund their drug habit.
*In the Groblersdal case, Thabamonate farm owner Frederick Botha (67), Simphiwe Khumalo (35), and two Mexican nationals, Gonzales Jorge (51) and Guitierrez Lopes (43) appeared in the Groblersdal Regional Court on Monday 22 July.
A fifth suspect, Rodriguez Ruban Vidan (44), was arrested on Monday and appeared in Groblersdal Magistrates Court on charges of manufacturing drugs, dealing in drugs and possession of drugs.
He was due to appear again on Wednesday 24 July, according to Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi, regional spokesperson of the National Prosecuting Agency. The cases have been postponed to Thursday 1 August for bail application.
The police reacted to information they received regarding the activities on the farm. During their search, they found chemicals such as acetone, used in the manufacturing of drugs.
Political parties reacted to the case with Marcelle Maritz, VF Plus Provincial leader stating that it is concerning that two Mexican nationals were arrested as their country is known for its dangerous and well-organised drug cartels. She encouraged residents to be proactive and report any suspicious activities.
Marie Helm, the DA’s Provincial spokesperson, said that drug-related crime in Limpopo is on the rise. “During the third quarter for 2023, drug-related crime in Limpopo increased year-on-year by 9,7 percentage points in 12 months from 1812 to 1987 cases,” she stated.
