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Tik lab found on remote farm
09/05/2007 07:10 - (SA)
Bloemfontein - A well-equipped laboratory manufacturing the drug, tik (methamphetamine), was uncovered on a remote farm in the Free State on Tuesday.
An American citizen found on the premises of the laboratory in Phuthaditjhaba was arrested, said police spokesperson Motarafi Ntepe.
Phuthaditjhaba is a rural settlement between the Drakensberg and Maluti mountain ranges.
"This is the first time that this kind of laboratory has been found in the Free State," said provincial police commissioner Amos Mashigo.
The activity on the property aroused the suspicion of the surrounding community who reported it to police.
Pungent smell of chemicals
The organised-crime unit investigated and found a 28-year-old American on the property. He told police he had been renovating the property for the owner of the farm.
The man refused police entry to the home, saying he had to call the owner first. After several unsuccessful attempts, police grew suspicious and entered the house.
Inside, they were met with the pungent smell of chemicals.
They discovered face masks, a variety of chemicals, raw and already processed tik, hairdryers and evaporators.
Police arrested the man who will face a charge of drug dealing when he appears in Kestell Magistrate's Court on Wednesday.
Forensic experts from Pretoria visited the laboratory on Tuesday for further investigation.
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