By OBAKENG MAJE

13 May 2026 – The acting National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane has welcomed the arrest of 11 suspects following the discovery of a multi-million rands drug manufacturing laboratory on a farm in Swartruggens in North West. The suspects include four Mexican nationals and one woman.

Dimpane said the intelligence-driven operation was executed by the National Head Office Crime Intelligence, National Head Office Organised Crime Investigations and a National team from the DPCI. She said this intelligence-driven operation resulted in the successful dismantling of the drug lab and the arrest of the suspects.

“We commend the members for their continued commitment in dismantling organised crime syndicates involved in the manufacturing and distribution of drugs. The latest drug bust must send a stern warning to criminals that the South African Police Service (SAPS) remains resolute and relentless in the fight against crime.

“We will continue to intensify operations aimed at disrupting and dismantling drug networks operating within our communities,” said Dimpane.

She said last week alone, police arrested 280 suspects for dealing in drugs and a further 2573 suspects for possession of drugs during operations conducted across the country. Dimpane added that the police investigations into the matter are continuing.

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