Police in South Africa have apprehended four individuals, including two Mexican nationals, following the discovery of a sophisticated drug manufacturing facility on a farm in the northern part of the country. The South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, commonly known as Hawks, conducted a raid on the property located in Groblersdal after receiving tips about suspicious activities, SAPS announced in a statement.
During the operation, law enforcement officers searched multiple structures on the farm and uncovered significant quantities of chemicals typically used in the production of illicit drugs such as acetone and crystal methamphetamine. The estimated street value of the seized substances amounts to 2 billion South African rand ($109.4 million).
According to SAPS, those detained in connection with the incident, which took place on Friday, include the owner of the farm and two individuals from Mexico. The Hawks have not ruled out the possibility of further arrests, stating, “What makes this different from other [seizures] is the involvement of Mexican citizens,” as quoted by Katlego Mogale, the national spokesperson for the Hawks.
The authorities have yet to confirm whether the narcotics seized were intended for distribution within South Africa or for export abroad.
The Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs has acknowledged the incident and is liaising with local authorities to gather additional details regarding the case and the status of the Mexican nationals involved.
The suspects are scheduled to appear before the Groblersdal Magistrate’s Court on Monday to face charges related to the manufacturing, distribution, and possession of illegal drugs, according to SAPS. In recent months, the Hawks have intensified their efforts against drug-related activities in South Africa, uncovering ten clandestine drug laboratories and apprehending 34 individuals since the beginning of the year, SAPS disclosed.
South Africa has gained attention as a significant consumer market for methamphetamine globally, according to a 2021 report by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime. Additionally, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has identified the nation as an appealing transit point for narcotics due to its porous borders and strategic international trade connections.
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