Five arrested in Groblersdal R2 Billion drug bust
Groblersdal
Five suspects, including the farm owner and three Mexican nationals, were arrested on Friday 19 July 2024 in an intelligence driven operation by the Hawks and Limpopo Tactical Response Team at a farm in Groblersdal where a R2 Billion clandestine laboratory was discovered.
Four suspects, Gonzales Jorge Partida (53), Gitierrez Lopez Alejandro (43), Roelof Botha (57) and Melvin Khumalo (34), appeared before the Groblersdal Magistrate’s Court on Monday 22 July 2024, facing charges of manufacturing drugs, dealing in drugs and possession of drugs.
Their case was postponed to Thursday 1 August 2024 for a formal bail application. The fifth suspect, Ruban Vidan Rodriguez (44) was arrested later, appeared before the Groblersdal Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday 23 July 2024 facing the same charges.
Colonel Katlego Mogale, Hawks National Spokesperson, said it is reported that the Hawks in Limpopo received information about suspicious activities taking place at the farm, which was then operationalized and the multi-disciplinary team pounced.
“Four structures on the property were searched on and large quantities of chemicals used in the manufacturing of illicit drugs including acetone as well as crystal meth with an estimated street value of R2 Billion were recovered,” said Mogale.
She added that the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation has since in the beginning of this year uncovered ten clandestine drug laboratories and made 34 arrests.
“Whilst the investigation continues, the arrested suspects made their first appearance in the Groblersdal Magistrate’s Court on the 22 July 2024 on charges of manufacturing, dealing and possession of illicit drugs. The Hawks are not ruling out the possibility of more suspects being arrested,” she said.
Senzo Mchunu, Minister of the Police in South Africa, has welcomed the outstanding arrests effected and the discovery of a drug lab by a joint team of Limpopo Hawks and Limpopo SAPS.
Limpopo Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, has welcomed the arrest and expressed her gratitude, stating: “We applaud the joint team of the Hawks and SAPS for an exemplary job well done. This operation is a testament to the effectiveness of the collaboration and synergy between various units within the South African Police Service in our province. We will ensure that this arrest is thoroughly followed up until every individual involved in drug trafficking, which is devastating the future of our children, is completely removed from our society.”
Premier Ramathuba emphasised the government’s commitment to combating drug-related crimes.
“The scourge of drug abuse and trafficking is a serious threat to the well-being and future of our youth. We will continue to support and strengthen law enforcement agencies to root out this menace from our communities. Our administration is determined to create a safe and secure environment for all residents of Limpopo,” she said.
Ramathuba indicated the significant bust highlighting the importance of ongoing intelligence-driven operations and the relentless efforts of law enforcement agencies in safeguarding our communities.
“The Limpopo government remains steadfast in its resolve to support such initiatives and ensure that justice is served,” she said.
The Mayor of Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality (EMLM), Cllr David Tladi, said this accomplishment emphasises the integral part the community plays in the battle against crime.
“It was information from the community that led to this breakthrough,” said Mayor Tladi.
He also praised police officers for their tireless efforts in rebuilding public confidence in the nation’s security forces.
“These arrests ought to act as a warning that the Province of Limpopo cannot ever serve as a shelter or a playground for criminals,” Tladi said.
The mayor asked the public to help the municipality fight drug-related crime by giving law enforcement officials pertinent information.
