A drug lab worth an estimated R350m has been shut down on a farm in Volksrust, Mpumalanga, and five foreigners were arrested.

Ridge Times reports that police received a tip about a strong chemical smell coming from Oudehoutkloof Farm, raising suspicions of drug manufacturing.

When police arrived on the scene on Friday, the gates to the premises were locked. The suspects attempted to flee on foot when they saw the officers, but five people were arrested, while two fled into nearby bushes. The arrests are a result of Operation Shanela 2.

Police searched the premises and discovered large quantities of chemicals and equipment typically used in drug manufacturing. They also found crystal meth to the value of R350m, packaged in lunchboxes and frozen, and seized a pellet gun with blank rounds and three live 9mm rounds that were in the farm caretaker’s possession. He was also arrested and could be facing charges of possession of ammunition.

The scene was handed over to the Hawks Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the five people arrested are illegal immigrants. They could be facing charges related to the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act 140 of 1992 and the Immigration Act 13 of 2002.

Provincial MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison Jackie Macie commended police and other stakeholders for their swift response.

“We warn these drug peddlers that their days are numbered; we won’t allow greedy individuals to turn our province into a drug haven,” said Macie.

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