Police have arrested eleven suspects linked to a drug operation uncovered at a manufacturing laboratory on a farm in Brakspruit near Swartruggens in the North West.
The arrests stem from a joint operation involving the SAPS National Head Office Crime Intelligence, National Head Office Organised Crime Investigations, and a national team from the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI).
According to SAPS findings, the suspects include four Mexican nationals, among them one woman.
Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane attributed the arrests to intensified efforts to combat crime across the country.
“The latest drug bust must send a stern warning to criminals that the South African Police Service remains resolute and relentless in the fight against crime. We will continue to intensify operations aimed at disrupting and dismantling drug networks operating within our communities,” said Dimpane.
The latest breakthrough follows last week’s arrests of approximately 282 suspects linked to drug dealing, while a further 2,573 people were apprehended for possession of drugs across the country.
Meanwhile, Acting North West Police Commissioner Major General Ryno Naidoo said investigations are underway to verify the nationalities of other suspects.
He also confirmed that a gold processing plant containing gold-bearing material was discovered on the farm, which was allegedly operating under the guise of a game lodge.
Naidoo could not provide a timeframe for the conclusion of the investigation, adding that the crime scene still requires extensive processing, particularly given the scale of the drugs discovered.
He further stated that the owner of the farm has been contacted and instructed to present himself to police, joining other family members who were taken into custody after being found at the property.
