22/09/2025
π½πππΌ ππΌππβπΈβπ πΈβπ» πβπΌ ππππβ πΈπ½βπβπΈβ πΈββπΌπΈβ πΉπΌπ½πβπΌ πππππβπππ ππΈπΎπππβπΈππΌβπ βππβπ πβ πππππππππππβ-βπΈβπ» βππΈβπ»πΌπππβπΌ π»βππΎ ππΈπΉπβπΈππβπ.
A multi-million-rand clandestine drug laboratory was uncovered by members of the South African Police Service after following up on information received regarding suspicious activities at Ousehoutkloof Farm, outside Volksrust.
The discovery resulted in the arrest of five Mexican nationals, Isabel Antonio Quintero Corrales (36), Hector Manuel Valenzuela Ontiveros (36), Luis Alberto Osorio Viscarra (31), Jose Omar Molina Jimenez (36), and Nicanor Molina Jimenez (48) β along with a 61-year-old South African, Bafana Samson Magubane.
The breakthrough came after a whistle-blower reported a strong unpleasant smell in the area. Upon arrival, police found the suspects inside the laboratory. Chemicals, crystal m**h (final product), and manufacturing equipment were seized.
In addition, Magubane was found in possession of three 9mm live rounds. He failed to produce a firearm licence and has been charged with contravention of the Fi****ms Control Act.
The Mexican nationals were in possession of travel documents that are currently under scrutiny. The Department of Home Affairs has been roped in for further verification and investigation.
The Hawksβ Secunda-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit is leading an in-depth investigation into the laboratory. The matter was postponed to Friday, 26 September 2026, to secure the services of a Spanish interpreter.
This recovery comes just months after a similar clandestine laboratory, valued at over R50 million, was uncovered in Standerton β less than 100 kilometres from Volksrust β where equipment, chemicals, and final products were also seized.
Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in Mpumalanga, Major General Nico Ge**er, commended the swift action and collaboration between the police and community members.
βTogether, we can do more in squeezing the space for drug syndicates. The Hawks have taken over the investigation and will pursue all possible links and the involvement of the Mexican nationals arrested,β said Major General Ge**er.
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