Groblersdal – Two Mexicans 51-year-old Gonzales Jorge, 43-year-old Gutierrez Lopes, and two others arrested in a massive R2 billion drug swoop on a farm appeared in the Groblersdal District Court on Monday.
The Mexicans, who were arrested on Friday, (19 July 2024), appeared alongside the farm owner 67-year-old Frederick Botha, and 35-year-old Simphiwe Khumalo.
The four were arrested through an anti-drug operation carried out by members of the police Limpopo Serious Organised Crime Investigation team assisted by the Limpopo Tactical Response Team at a farm in Groblersdal, where a multi-million clandestine laboratory was discovered.
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.
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation has since the beginning of this year, uncovered 10 clandestine drug laboratories and made 34 arrests, apart from this recent one.
Hawks National Spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale said a 44-year-old suspect was arrested Monday, (22 July 2024), on charges of manufacturing, dealing, and possession of illicit drugs and will appear in court soon.
The name of the fifth suspect was not released. The 44-year-old Mexican is expected to appear in court Tuesday.
The case against the other four accused arrested on Friday was postponed to 1 August 2024.
Colonel Mogale said the investigation was continuing.
