The accused made their first appearance in Swartruggens Magistrate’s Court last Friday following their arrest during a large-scale raid on a farm in Brakspruit. The matter was postponed for seven days to allow for interpreters, verification of immigration status, and a possible formal bail application.

The accused include five Mexican nationals – Fabian Astorga, Jesus Alonso, Medina Astorga, Luis Alberto Ramirez Rios, Jose Andres Medina and Jacquelin Lopez Madrid – two Mozambican nationals, Ismael Afiado Massingue and Lourenco Constantino Cumbane, one Zimbabwean national, Tobias Soyani, and three South African citizens, Tyron John Schutte, Kyle Schutte and Vusi Amos Mkambi.

Hawks national spokesperson Katlego Mogale said the group is facing charges related to drug manufacturing, illegal possession of precious metals, illegal possession of hazardous materials, and contravention of the Immigration Act.

The arrests followed a coordinated operation on Wednesday during which authorities uncovered what is believed to be a large-scale methamphetamine manufacturing facility. Drugs with an estimated street value of R100m were seized during the raid.

Law enforcement officers also confiscated tons of chemicals and equipment allegedly used in the production of illegal drugs, as well as three firearms.

“Forensic experts are still processing the crime scene; however, approximately 481kg of methamphetamine with an estimated street value amounting to millions of rands has thus far been confiscated,” said Mogale.

“It is anticipated that the quantity may increase once the entire scene has been thoroughly processed. The estimated value of the illicit drug laboratory exceeds R1bn,” she added.

Authorities say the investigation has also revealed possible international links. “Preliminary investigations indicate that the discovered laboratory is the fourth drug laboratory in South Africa with alleged Mexican links. At this stage, the owners of the property have not yet been located. However, the owner’s son and other relatives were among those arrested,” Mogale said.

“The owners are currently required to be questioned as investigations continue. Due to the sensitive nature of the ongoing investigation, certain information cannot be divulged at this stage and will be communicated in due course.”

Investigations into the matter are continuing.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi sm

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