Five suspects are expected to appear before the Krugersdorp Magistrate’s Court following the discovery of a clandestine drug manufacturing laboratory worth an estimated R100 million at a farm in Hekpoort, near Krugersdorp, Gauteng.
The five South African nationals were arrested last week during a multidisciplinary operation led by the South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau (SANEB) of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, known as the Hawks.
The operation involved SAPS Head Office Crime Intelligence, the Special Task Force and the West Rand K-9 Unit.
Police discovered quantities of Mandrax and ecstasy tablets at the suspected drug manufacturing laboratory.
Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale said the suspects would face charges of manufacturing and dealing in illegal drugs.
The five South African nationals who were found at the premises will face charges of manufacturing and dealing in illegal drugs.
The arrests come amid a broader investigation into suspected drug manufacturing laboratories across the country.
On Thursday, Mogale revealed that the Hawks had uncovered 11 suspected drug laboratories nationwide, with investigators probing possible links between the facilities.
“SANEB is working around the clock to connect as to where do these people come from, where is it that these chemicals that are being found in the many drug labs come from,” Mogale said.
Meanwhile, Gauteng Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni said police were working with international counterparts to establish whether the drugs were intended for local consumption or international distribution.
“We’re having an international drug agency. These people internationally, we have linked up with people internationally so that we can look on these consignments as and when it is taken to other countries,” Mthombeni said.
The investigation is continuing as authorities seek to establish the full extent of the suspected drug manufacturing and distribution network.
