Six suspects including South African, Mexican and Russian nationals are expected in courts in Limpopo and the Western Cape this week in connection with the illicit drug trade and a clandestine drug lab.
The arrests were made in the two provinces over the weekend.
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu welcomed the outstanding arrests effected in the discovery of a drug lab in Groblersdal by a joint team of Limpopo Hawks and Limpopo SAPS.
In the continuing war against drugs by the Hawks, four suspects including the farm owner and two Mexican nationals were arrested on Friday in an intelligence-driven operation by members of Limpopo Serious Organised Crime Investigation (SOCI) team assisted by the Limpopo Tactical Response Team at a farm in Groblersdal where a multimillion-rand clandestine laboratory was discovered.
It is reported that the Hawks in Limpopo received information about suspicious activities taking place at the farm, which was then operationalised and the multidisciplinary team pounced.
Hawks national spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale told journalists that 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.
Mogale revealed that the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation has since the beginning of this year uncovered 10 clandestine drug laboratories and made 34 arrests.
She said while the investigation continues, the arrested suspects will make their first appearance in the Groblersdal Magistrate’s Court on July 22 on charges of manufacturing, dealing and possession of illicit drugs.
“The Hawks are not ruling out the possibility of more suspects being arrested,” said Mogale.
The illicit drug trade in the Western Cape was dealt a heavy blow when police seized drugs an estimated R252 million and arrested two men in connection with the find at Still Bay.
On Friday, at about 6.50pm, members attached to the Still Bay police operationalised information about suspicious activities at the Still Bay harbour. While travelling, the members spotted the vehicle with a rubber duck on its trailer which fitted the description.
The vehicle sped off and a chase ensued. Police brought the vehicle, a Pajero, to a halt at Jongensfontein Road, Still Bay, where the occupants got out and fled into the bushes. The members pursued the men. Their freedom was short-lived when the members tracked down the men and apprehended them at a local accommodation establishment.
Upon searching the rubber duck, the police found 14 bags containing bricks of cocaine. The police seized the find, the Pajero and the rubber duck with trailer.
The suspects, a 48-year-old man from Gauteng and a 39-year-old Russian national, remain in police custody. They will appear in court once charged.
Police said an investigation into the find is under way. This matter is being investigated by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI).
Provincial commissioner of the Western Cape Lieutenant-General Thembisile Patekile had nothing but praise for the members who swiftly acted on the information for their vigilance which ensured that the consignment of drugs were removed from the streets. Western Cape SAPS Sergeant Christopher Spies said these arrests and confiscations were in line with the focus of police to eradicate the illicit drug trade in this province.
Ahead of his maiden budget vote in Parliament last week, Mchunu urged all stakeholders and communities to work together to end crime.
“We are convinced that working together we can beat crime, create an environment to grow our economy and make South Africans feel safer in our townships, villages, suburbs, towns, cities, streets and places of work. We invite everyone, including the media, to join us and work with us on this journey,” Mchunu said.
The Star