Police raided the farm after an informant reported a chemical smell coming from the property.
Police arrested five foreign nationals after finding a crystal methamphetamine laboratory on a farm in Volksrust, Mpumalanga, on Friday.
Police said the “clandestine” lab is estimated to be worth R350 million.
‘Strange smell’ coming from farm
The police raid came after a tip-off about suspicious activities on a farm in Oudehoutkloof, Volksrust.
“The informant reported a strange chemical smell emanating from the premises, which raised suspicions of illicit drug manufacturing,” said police spokesperson Colonel FP Maphanga.
He said the suspects started to flee as they saw police approach. Despite this, five foreign nationals from a North American country were arrested.
“Two other suspects – believed to be from West African countries – managed to evade arrest by fleeing into nearby bushes.”
Drugs and equipment seized
Maphanga said a search of the property led to the discovery of:
- Large quantities of precursor chemicals used in drug manufacturing;
- Drug-manufacturing equipment;
- Crystal methamphetamine valued at approximately R350 million, packaged in lunch boxes and buckets stored in freezers;
- A pellet gun loaded with blank rounds; and
- Three live 9mm rounds found in the possession of the farm caretaker.
Maphanga added that preliminary investigations revealed that the five foreign nationals in custody were in the country illegally. “They are facing possible charges related to contravening the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act as well as the Immigration Act.”
The farm caretaker, who is South African, was also arrested and faces possible charges for the possession of ammunition.
“Police are working hard to rid the streets of Mpumalanga of all types of drugs, and dismantling a clandestine drug lab, which is the source of these drugs, is a step in the right direction,” said Acting Provincial Commissioner in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi.
