Senzo Mchunu Praises Arrests Following Discovery of Drug Lab in Groblersdal

The arrests, made on Friday, followed the discovery of a sophisticated drug lab in Groblersdal by a joint operation involving the Limpopo Hawks and the Limpopo South African Police Service (SAPS).

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has welcomed the arrest of four suspects who are expected to appear in the Groblersdal Magistrate’s court today on charges related to the manufacturing, dealing, and possession of illicit drugs.

The arrests, made on Friday, followed the discovery of a sophisticated drug lab in Groblersdal by a joint operation involving the Limpopo Hawks and the Limpopo South African Police Service (SAPS).

Among those arrested were the farm owner and two Mexican nationals. The suspects were apprehended on 19 July 2024 during an intelligence-driven operation conducted by members of the Limpopo Serious Organised Crime Investigation (SOCI) team, with assistance from the Limpopo Tactical Response Team. The raid took place at a farm in Groblersdal, where a clandestine laboratory worth millions was uncovered.

The Hawks in Limpopo reportedly received information about suspicious activities on the farm, which led to the coordinated operation. During the search of four structures on the property, large quantities of chemicals used in the production of illicit drugs, including acetone, and crystal meth with an estimated street value of R2 billion, were recovered.

“The Hawks in Limpopo received information about suspicious activities taking place at the farm, which was then operationalised, and the multi-disciplinary team pounced. 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,” stated the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (HAWKS) in a statement on Saturday.

Since the beginning of the year, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation has uncovered 10 clandestine drug laboratories and made 34 arrests. The Hawks have not ruled out the possibility of additional suspects being apprehended in connection with this case.