Hawks clean up drug lab site in Volksrust
The five Mexicans arrested during the bust abandoned their bail applications.
The decommissioning and cleaning of a multi-million-rand clandestine drug laboratory on a farm close to Volksrust was finalised on October 31.
Police uncovered the laboratory after receiving reports of an unpleasant odour in the area on September 19. The officers arrested one South African and five Mexican nationals during the operation.
They referred the docket to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), Secunda-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit, for further investigation.
Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi, spokesperson for the Hawks in Mpumalanga, said the team’s efforts to oppose bail led to the Mexicans abandoning their application.
The South African national, allegedly the farm’s caretaker, was granted bail of R50 000.
“As part of the investigation, the Hawks began decommissioning and cleaning the premises used for the illegal manufacturing of drugs.
“The area was declared a health hazard to the public and the environment, with a high risk of fires due to chemical reactions. It remained under police guard from the day of the operation until decommissioning began.”
Nkosi said the clean-up team disposed of all chemicals and equipment used during the illegal activities, which will result in the complete shutdown of the operation that posed a danger to citizens.
“Our investigation is ongoing, and we will leave no stone unturned until we bring the masterminds behind this illegal operation to justice,” said Major General Nico Gerber, provincial head of the Hawks in Mpumalanga.
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