By Akani Nkuna
The National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) Asset Forfeiture Unit has secured a high court preservation order over a farm and several vehicles linked to the large-scale drug manufacturing operation in Swartruggens, North West.
The order, granted under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act, follows a police and Hawks raid on the farm on 13 May, when officers uncovered “a sophisticated clandestine drug laboratory”.
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The NPA said the order was an important step in targeting the assets allegedly used in the operation, which police have said was linked to the manufacture of methamphetamine.
“Methamphetamine remains one of the most destructive illicit drugs affecting communities across South Africa. Its manufacture and distribution fuel organised crime, substance dependency, violence, and other serious social harms,” the NPA said.
The raid was carried out by Organised Crime Investigations and the Hawks after police obtained a search-and-seizure warrant for the property. The operation led to the dismantling of the laboratory, which had been operating at significant scale.
Eleven suspects were arrested during the raid, including five Mexican nationals, two Mozambican nationals, one Zimbabwean national and three South Africans. Two more suspects later handed themselves over to police.
The Hawks previously estimated the value of the laboratory at more than R1 billion.
“Preliminary forensic analysis conducted by the Forensic Science Laboratory confirmed that samples collected from the farm tested positive for methamphetamine. The total mass of the material analysed was approximately 378.65 kilograms, indicating a manufacturing operation of significant scale,” the NPA said.
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The criminal case against the accused is ongoing. They face charges including drug manufacturing and trafficking.
North West Director of Public Prosecutions Dr Rachel Makhari said the NPA would continue to use the AFU to act against criminal enterprises.
“By targeting the proceeds and instrumentalities of crime, we aim to disrupt criminal enterprises and protect our communities from the devastating effects of drug-related offences,” Makhari said.
