Police Minister welcomes arrest of 4 people involved in drug bust worth over R2bn

JOHANNESBURG - Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has welcomed the arrest of four people involved in an industrial-scale drug bust worth more than R2 billion.

On Friday, the Hawks and Limpopo police raided a farm in Groblersdal confiscating large quantities of chemicals and instruments used to make meth.

The farm owner was arrested along with three others - including two Mexican nationals.

The suspects are set to appear in the Groblersdal Magistrates Court on Monday to face charges of manufacturing, dealing and possession of illicit drugs. 

"Since the beginning of this year uncovered ten (10) clandestine drug laboratories and made 34 arrests," said the South African Police Service (SAPS) in a statement.

 The Hawks are not ruling out the possibility of more suspects being arrested.

CAPE TOWN COPS CONFISCATE LARGE CONSIGNMENT OF DRUGS

Meanwhile, Western Cape Police have confiscated a large consignment of various drug packages in a house at Bloem Street in Goodwood.

According to police reports, the burst follows the SAPS’ Anti-Gang Unit Combat Team operation conducted in the area on Friday.

Police said licensed firearms were also found in the garage of the premises.

SAPS spokesperson Wesley Twigg said a 48-year-old suspect was arrested.

"The members confiscated 17,624 mandrax tablets, 476 half mandrax tablets, six packets crushed mandrax, 211 packets containing tik, one big and one medium-sized bag containing tik and an undisclosed amount of cash. The two licensed firearms were also confiscated," he said.