A drug lab worth an estimated R350 million was shut down on a farm in the Volksrust area and five foreigners arrested on September. Police received a tip about a strong chemical smell coming from Oudehoutkloof Farm, raising suspicions of drug manufacturing.

This arrest is a result of Operation Shanela 2. When police arrived on the scene, the gates to the premises were locked. The suspects attempted to flee on foot when they saw the officers, but were quickly caught and arrested.

Five people were arrested while two managed to flee into nearby bushes. Police searched the premises and discovered large quantities of chemicals and equipment typically used in drug manufacturing.

Police also found Crystal Meth to the value of R350 million, packaged in lunchboxes and frozen. They also seized a pellet gun with blank rounds and three live 9mm rounds in the possession of the farm caretaker.

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 suspects arrested in this case are illegal immigrants. They could be facing charges related to the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act and Immigration Act.

Provincial MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison (DCSSL), Jackie Macie, commended police and other stakeholders for their swift response in this case.

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