By Akani Nkuna
Eleven people arrested after police uncovered an alleged R1 billion methamphetamine laboratory on a farm in Swartruggens, North West, were remanded in custody after appearing in the Swartruggens Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
The case was postponed to 22 May for interpreters, verification of immigration status and possible formal bail applications.
The accused face charges related to drug manufacturing, illegal possession of precious metals, illegal possession of hazardous materials and contravention of the Immigration Act.
The arrests followed an intelligence-driven operation on Wednesday, when law enforcement officers discovered the drug manufacturing facility on a farm in Swartruggens.
“The operation led to the discovery of a large-scale illegal drug manufacturing facility believed to be involved in the production of methamphetamine. During the operation, law enforcement officers seized tons of equipment and chemicals used in the manufacturing of illegal drugs, as well as three firearms,” said Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale on Friday.
“The accused include five Mexican nationals, Fabian Astorga, Jesus Alonso, Medina Astorga, Luis Alberto Ramirez Rios, Jose Andres Medina, Jacquelin Lopez Madrid (woman); two Mozambican nationals, Ismael Afiado Massingue, Lourenco Constantino Cumbane; one Zimbabwean national, Tobias Soyani, and three South African citizens, Tyron John Schutte, Kyle Schutte, Vusi Amos Mkambi,” said Mogale.
Mogale said scene processing was continuing, but preliminary investigations had already led to the seizure of about 481 kilograms of methamphetamine, with an estimated street value running into millions of rand.
“It is anticipated that the quantity may increase once the entire scene has been thoroughly processed. The estimated value of the illicit drug laboratory exceeds R1 billion,” said Mogale.
The Hawks said the property owners had not yet been located and were wanted for questioning. Among those arrested were the owner’s son and other relatives.
Mogale added that preliminary investigations indicated that the Swartruggens drug lab was the fourth drug laboratory uncovered in South Africa with alleged Mexican links.
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