11 suspects due in court after meth lab bust in Swartruggens
Eleven suspects, including foreign nationals, appear in court today after a suspected R1 billion meth lab bust and major drug and firearm seizures.
Eleven suspects are due to appear in the Swartruggens Magistrate's Court after police discovered what they say is a billion-rand drug laboratory.
The group includes five Mexican nationals, two Mozambican nationals, one Zimbabwean, and three South African citizens.
Police uncovered the suspected methamphetamine lab this week and seized chemical, manufacturing equipment and three firearms.
Who has been arrested
The son of the property owner and several relatives are among those who were nabbed.
National Hawks spokesperson Katlego Mogale says authorities are still searching for the owner.
Charges the suspects are facing
“The group is facing charges related to drug manufacturing, which carries a minimum sentence of up to 25 years’ imprisonment if convicted, illegal possession of precious metals, illegal possession of hazardous materials, and contravention of the Immigration Act.
“This follows an intelligence-driven operation conducted by Crime Intelligence Head Office, Organized Crime Head Office, and the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigations, South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau, SANEB, based at Head Office and other stakeholders, which resulted in the arrest of the eleven suspects linked to a suspected clandestine drug manufacturing laboratory on 13 May 2026.”
Mogale says the operation uncovered a large-scale illegal drug manufacturing facility suspected of producing methamphetamine.
ALSO READ: Mexicans among 11 arrested in Swartruggens drug bust
Items seized during the operation
“During the operation, law enforcement officers seized tons of equipment and chemicals used in the manufacturing of illegal drugs, as well as three firearms. Forensic experts are still processing the crime scene.”
She says about 481kg of methamphetamine, with an estimated street value worth millions of rand, has been seized so far.
Preliminary reports
Authorities say the value of the illicit drug laboratory is said to exceed R1 billion.
“It is anticipated that the quantity may increase once the entire scene has been thoroughly processed. Preliminary investigation indicate that the discovered laboratory is the fourth drug laboratory in South Africa with alleged Mexican links. The owners are currently required for questioning as investigation continue.”
The Hawks say certain details cannot be disclosed at this stage due to the sensitive nature of the ongoing investigation, adding that investigations are continuing.
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