Swarttruggens – Eleven suspects, including four Mexican nationals and one woman, have been arrested following the discovery of a multimillion-rand drug manufacturing laboratory on a farm in Swarttruggens, North West.

The arrests were confirmed in a media statement issued by the Office of the Acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS) on Wednesday, 13 May 2026.

According to SAPS, the intelligence-driven operation was carried out by National Head Office Crime Intelligence, National Head Office Organised Crime Investigations, and a national team from the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly known as the Hawks.

Police said the operation led to the successful dismantling of the alleged drug lab and the arrest of the suspects.

Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane praised law enforcement officials for their efforts in combating 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 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.

SAPS further revealed that during operations conducted across the country last week alone, police arrested 280 suspects for dealing in drugs and an additional 2 573 suspects for possession of drugs.

Investigations into the Swarttruggens case are continuing.

-The VIP Team 

-SAPS NW