Cape Town – A 39-year-old Mexican national was arrested on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, for allegedly operating a drug laboratory valued at R100 million in Rietfontein, Pretoria.
The arrest followed an intelligence-driven operation by Gauteng police, who had conducted extensive surveillance on the property.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk said a multi-disciplinary team, including the National and Provincial Organised Crime Investigations (Narcotics units), Tactical Response Teams, and the West Rand K9 Unit, executed a search and seizure warrant at the premises.
#sapsHQ An intelligence driven operation led police to uncover a drug laboratory with an estimated value of R100 million in Rietfontein, Gauteng on Wednesday, 27 November 2024 and arrested a 39-year-old Mexican national.
Following extensive surveillance conducted on the… pic.twitter.com/345CIMDICN
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) November 27, 2024
“The takedown led the team to seize various chemicals, drug manufacturing equipment and final product which was confirmed to be Methamphetamine commonly known as Crystal Meth or Tik.
“The team also seized cash, believed to be the proceeds of crime,” Van Wyk said.
The suspect, who is undocumented, is expected to appear in the Atteridgeville Magistrates Court. He faces charges of manufacturing and dealing in drugs as well as violating the Immigration Act.
Authorities have described the bust as a significant blow to organized drug trafficking operations in the region.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
