Suspects arrested in connection with a R2 billion drug lab made their first appearance at the Groblersdal District Court today. The four accused, Gonzales Jorge (51), Gutierrez Lopes (43), Simphiwe Khumalo (35) and Frederick Botha (67), were arrested on 19 July in Groblersdal, where a multi-billion Rand clandestine laboratory was discovered. They are facing charges of manufacturing, dealing and possession of illicit drugs.
INTELLIGENCE DRIVEN OPERATION
Hawks' spokesperson, Colonel Katlego Mogale, said 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," Mogale said. She said the case against the four accused was postponed to 1 August 2024 and the investigation is ongoing. Mogale also confirmed that a fifth suspect, a Mexican (44), was arrested and is facing the same charges as his accomplices.
DRUG MULE APPREHENDED
Meanwhile, a Brazilian national, Risclif Tadue Ramos (36), appeared at the Kempton Park Magistrate's Court today after allegedly attempting to smuggle 4kg of cocaine concealed in a body wrap. The Hawk's Captain Lloyd Ramovha said the suspect had not checked in luggage apart from what he was carrying. "He was taken to the ORTIA police station and an interpreter was sourced after he indicated that he didn't understand English. He admitted to the officers, through the interpreter, that he was in possession of drugs. Ramos was subjected to a body search, which revealed about 4 kg of cocaine wrapped around his body. He was immediately arrested and charged with contravening the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act." The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation has, since the beginning of this year, uncovered 10 clandestine drug laboratories and made 34 arrests, apart from this recent one.
