Eleven suspects appeared in the Swartruggens Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 15 May 2026, following a major intelligence-driven operation that uncovered an alleged large-scale methamphetamine laboratory.
The accused, comprising Mexican, Mozambican, Zimbabwean and South African nationals, face charges including drug manufacturing, possession of hazardous materials and contravention of the Immigration Act.
The case was postponed for seven days for interpreters, immigration verification and possible bail applications, with all suspects remanded in custody and due back in court on 22 May 2026.
Authorities say the 13 May 2026 raid uncovered a major drug production facility, with equipment, chemicals, three firearms and about 481kg of methamphetamine seized, with a potential value in the millions of rands.
The South African Police Service confirmed that investigations are ongoing, including possible links to an international syndicate and property owners connected to the operation.
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