By Colonel Katlego Mogale
HAWKS Spokespersons
Eleven suspects’ case was postponed for seven days for interpreters, verification of immigration status and possible formal bail application when their first appearance before the Swartruggens Magistrate’s Court, this morning, on 15 May 2026, facing charges related to drug manufacturing, illegal possession of precious metals, illegal possession of hazardous materials and contravention of the Immigration Act.
They will appear again on the 22 May 2026. They were remanded in custody.
This follows an intelligence-driven operation conducted by Crime Intelligence Head Office, Organized Crime Head Office, and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation’s (DPCI) South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau (SANEB) based at Head Office and other stakeholders which resulted in the arrest of eleven (11) suspects linked to a suspected clandestine drug manufacturing laboratory on 13 May 2026.
The accused include five (5) Mexican nationals, Fabian Astorga, Jesus Alonso, Medina Astorga, Luis Alberto Ramirez Rios, Jose Andres Medina, Jacquelin Lopez Madrid(woman); two (2) Mozambican nationals, Ismael Afiado Massingue, Lourenco Constantino Cumbane; one (1) Zimbabwean national, Tobias Soyani and three (3) South African citizens, Tyron John Schutte, Kyle Schutte, Vusi Amos Mkambi.
The operation led to the discovery of a large-scale illegal drug manufacturing facility believed to be involved in the production of methamphetamine.
During the operation, law enforcement officers seized tons of equipment and chemicals used in the manufacturing of illegal drugs, as well as three firearms.
Forensic experts are still processing the crime scene; however, approximately 481 kilograms of methamphetamine with an estimated street value amounting to millions of rands has thus far been confiscated.
It is anticipated that the quantity may increase once the entire scene has been thoroughly processed.
The estimated value of the illicit drug laboratory exceeds R1 billion.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the discovered laboratory is the fourth drug laboratory in South Africa with alleged Mexican links.
At this stage, the owners of the property have not yet been located.
However, the owner’s son and other relatives were among those arrested.
The owners are currently required for questioning as investigations continue.
Due to the sensitive nature of the ongoing investigation, certain information cannot be divulged at this stage and will be communicated in due course.
Investigations remain ongoing.
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