Three suspects, aged between 35 and 50, have been served with summons to appear before the Vrede Regional Court on 30 June 2025, facing charges of dealing in drugs and manufacturing drugs. The charges stem from their alleged involvement in a clandestine drug laboratory discovered in Memel, eastern Free State.
The investigation dates back to 02 January 2022, when members of the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit in Bethlehem conducted a search on a farm in Memel. During the operation, law enforcement uncovered a hidden laboratory and seized approximately 100kg of mushroom plants suspected to contain psilocin, a substance regulated under the Drug and Drug Trafficking Act. Additionally, equipment used for cultivating mushroom plants was confiscated.
The three suspects were arrested at the scene and initially charged with drug dealing and manufacturing. The case was provisionally withdrawn pending forensic analysis. However, subsequent laboratory results confirmed the presence of psilocin, leading to the reinstatement of charges.
Authorities have now formally summoned the accused to appear in court next month as the case proceeds. Further updates are expected as the legal process unfolds.
Â
Â