A 39-year-old Mexican national has been arrested following the discovery of a drug laboratory valued at an estimated R100 million in Rietfontein, Johannesburg’s West Rand.
The bust was the result of a meticulously planned search-and-seizure operation carried out by a multi-disciplinary team after extensive surveillance of the property.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk confirmed that the operation uncovered a range of drug-manufacturing equipment, chemicals, and a significant quantity of methamphetamine, commonly known as crystal meth or tik. Additionally, cash suspected to be proceeds of criminal activity was confiscated during the raid.
“The suspect is facing charges of dealing in and manufacturing drugs as well as contravening the Immigration Act,” said Van Wyk. The individual is expected to appear in the Atteridgeville Magistrate’s Court.
Authorities have hailed the operation as a significant blow to the illegal drug trade in the region, underscoring the importance of collaborative law enforcement efforts in tackling organised crime.