R2b drug lab in Groblersdal: 4 expected in court

Four suspects are expected to appear before the Groblersdal Magistrate’s Court today on charges of manufacturing, dealing and possession of illicit drugs.

The suspects were arrested during an intelligence-driven operation by the Limpopo Hawks and provincial police following the discovery of a clandestine drug lab in Groblersdal on Friday.

The Hawks’ national spokesperson, Colonel Katlego Mogale, says their Limpopo division received information about suspicious activity taking place at a said farm and it was taken down by a multi-disciplinary team, including the provincial Serious Organised Crime Investigation and Tactical Response Teams.

“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 R2b, were recovered,” he says.

Mogale adds that the owner of the farm and two Mexican nationals are among the four suspects arrested.

While investigations continue, Mogale says they are not ruling out the possibility of more arrests and adds that the Hawks have uncovered 10 drug labs since the beginning of the year – and made 34 arrests.

The Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, welcomes the arrests.