Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Mr. Jackie Macie, welcomes the apprehension of five suspects linked to a Crystal Meth Laboratory in Volksrust. The police, through Operation Shanela 2, have shut down the laboratory.
Macie commends the police and stakeholders for their swift response to the tip-off, leading to the arrests. He urges the police to ensure all involved individuals, including two suspects who fled on foot, are brought to justice.
“We applaud SAPS for their quick response and apprehension of the suspects. We warn these drug peddlers that their days are numbered. We won’t allow greedy individuals to turn our province into a drug haven. We’ll pursue them with all our might,” Macie stated.
Macie strongly condemns illicit drug operations, citing their threat to community health, safety, and well-being, especially among young people. He calls on communities to provide anonymous information to the police to expose drug dealers, emphasizing that drugs destroy the country’s future.
The MEC urges police to monitor unused farms, given the recent discovery of another illicit laboratory in Standerton.
Preliminary investigations reveal the five foreign nationals in custody were in the country illegally, facing charges under the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act and Immigration Act. The farm caretaker, a South African, faces possible charges for ammunition possession.
Issued by the Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison
