Five Mexican nationals and a 61-year-old South African who were arrested in a massive drug bust in Volksrust briefly appeared before the local magistrate’s court on September 22.

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 September 19.

Police were alerted to the scene following complaints about an unpleasant smell in the area. Upon their 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.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi, 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 of South Africa.

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

An in-depth investigation into the clandestine laboratory is being conducted by the Hawks’ Secunda-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit. The matter was postponed to September 26 to secure the services of a Spanish interpreter.

Nkosi added that this discovery comes only a few months after similar operations were uncovered in Standerton, less than 100 km from Volksrust. During that raid, equipment, chemicals, and crystal meth valued at more than R50 million were seized.

Major General Nico Gerber, the provincial head of the Hawks in Mpumalanga, commended the strong 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,” said Gerber.

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