| 2024/07/22 |
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Media Statement LIMPOPO – In the continuing war against drugs by the Hawks, four accused, Gonzales Jorge (51), Gutierrez Lopes (43), Simphiwe Khumalo (35) and Frederick Botha (67) appeared before Groblersdal District Court today, 22 July 2024 following their arrest on 19 July 2024 in an intelligence driven operation by members of Limpopo Serious Organised Crime Investigation (SOCI) team assisted by the Limpopo Tactical Response Team at a farm in Groblersdal where a multi-million clandestine laboratory was discovered. It is reported that the Hawks in Limpopo received information about suspicious activities taking place at the farm, which was then operationalised and the multi-disciplinary team pounced. Four structures on the property were searched 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. The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation has since the beginning of this year, uncovered ten (10) clandestine drug laboratories and made 34 arrests, apart from this recent one.
An additional suspect (44) has been arrested today, 22 July 2024 on charges of manufacturing, dealing and possession of illicit drugs and will appear in court soon. The case against the four accused who appeared in court was postponed to the 01 August 2024. The investigation is continuing.
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