Police swooped on the farm on Wednesday (2/9) after receiving information from community members about suspicious activities and a strong, unpleasant smell coming from the property. Residents also reported seeing three unknown men at the premises.

Members of Brits crime intelligence, Brits trio task team and Jericho visible policing responded to the information and proceeded to the identified farm. Upon arrival, police spotted a white Mahindra bakkie parked at the entrance. Three men allegedly fled into the surrounding bushes after noticing the approaching police vehicles.

North West police commissioner Lt. Gen Arthur Peter Adams said the driver of the bakkie was stopped and identified himself as the owner of the property. Police requested permission to enter and search the premises, which was granted.

“While searching the property, members detected a strong chemical smell and discovered equipment and materials suspected to have been used in the manufacturing of drugs. A tactical operation was immediately conducted, resulting in the arrest of the 62-year-old suspect, who is believed to be linked to activities at the premises.”

Members of the Hartbeespoortdam K9 Unit and a police drone pilot subsequently joined the operation to search for three men who had fled into the bushes. Despite an extensive search, the suspects managed to evade arrest. The local criminal record centre and forensic science laboratory were called to process the crime scene.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspected operation was the manufacture of crystal methamphetamine. Police seized various exhibits, including raw materials, chemicals, suspected drug manufacturing equipment, tools and suspected final product.

The white Mahindra bakkie allegedly used in the commission of the crime was also seized as part of the investigation. Police are continuing with efforts to trace the three outstanding suspects.

The matter has been handed over to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in Rustenburg for further investigation.

Adams commended the police officers involved in the operation and the community members whose information led to the discovery of the suspected drug manufacturing operation.

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