Five Mexican nationals and a 61-year-old South African arrested in a major drug bust in Volksrust briefly appeared in the local magistrate’s court yesterday.

Ridge Times reports that Isabel Antonio Quintero Corrales (36), Hector Manuel Valenzuela Ontiveros (36), Luis Alberto Osorio Viscarra (31), Jose Omar Molina Jimenez (36) and Nicanor Molina Jimenez (48), along with Bafana Samson Magubane, were apprehended after police uncovered a multi-million-rand clandestine drug laboratory at Oudehoutkloof farm outside Volksrust on Friday.

Police were alerted after complaints about an unpleasant smell in the area. On arrival, the six suspects were found inside the laboratory. Chemicals, crystal meth as a final product and machinery believed to be used in the manufacturing of drugs were discovered on the premises.

Firearms charge added

According to Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi, the spokesperson for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) in Mpumalanga, Magubane was also found in possession of three live 9mm rounds. He was unable to produce a firearm licence and was additionally charged with contravening the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000.

Nkosi says the travel documents of the Mexican nationals are questionable and the Department of Home Affairs will be engaged for further investigation.

Hawks continue probe

An in-depth investigation into the laboratory is being conducted by the Hawks’ Secunda-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit. The matter was postponed to Friday to secure the services of a Spanish interpreter.

Nkosi adds that this discovery comes only a few months after similar operations were uncovered in Standerton, less than 100km from Volksrust. During that raid, equipment, chemicals and crystal meth valued at more than R50m were seized.

Major General Nico Gerber, the provincial head of the Hawks, commends the collaboration between police and the community.

“Together, we can do more to squeeze the space for drug syndicates. The Hawks have taken over the investigation and will probe the links and involvement of the Mexican nationals arrested,” says Gerber.

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