…as alleged Asian drug manufacturers flee
…amid Matsoso’s claims investigations are ongoing
Moorosi Tsiane
THE two Asian nationals allegedly linked to a M5 billion drug manufacturing laboratory in Khubetsoana have left Lesotho and are now on the run.
This comes as police investigations into the matter continue, with Commissioner of Police, Advocate Borotho Matsoso, insisting the case will proceed to court once investigations are complete.
The two suspects were arrested in February this year during a police raid at a facility in Lifariking, Khubetsoana, but are now believed to be hiding in neighbouring South Africa amid explosive allegations of bribery, political protection and a police cover-up.
Highly placed sources close to the investigations claim the case, registered as RCI/126/03/26, has stalled at the office of Maseru Urban District Commissioner (DISPOL), Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police (SACP) Tšeliso Moerane, despite what insiders describe as “overwhelming evidence”.
The suspects were allegedly found in possession of about 7.5 tonnes of chemicals, including substances linked to khat (pronounced cat), ecstasy and crystal methamphetamine, with an estimated street value of nearly M5 billion.
Sources further allege the drugs were destined for international markets, including the United States.
“This was not a small operation. This was an international syndicate operating right here in Lesotho,” said one source familiar with the investigations.
“The police raided the premises and found chemicals and equipment used to manufacture dangerous drugs. But instead of moving swiftly, the matter suddenly slowed down and the suspects were released and never formally charged.”
The source further alleged that five police officers who initially responded to the scene were offered a M300 000 bribe by the suspects.
The scandal deepened with claims that influential political figures were linked to the operation and allegedly assisted the suspects in establishing the drug network in Lesotho.
According to sources, the syndicate allegedly sourced ketamine from one of the country’s hospitals through well-connected intermediaries.
“What is shocking is that after the police laboratory confirmed the substances through tests conducted on 31 March 2026 under reference number 64/26, senior officers still claimed they needed a second opinion,” the source said.
The substances were reportedly taken to the National University of Lesotho and the National Drug Service Organisation for further testing, but both institutions allegedly declined involvement because they already rely on police laboratories for such analysis.
“The officers handling this matter clearly do not specialise in drug investigations. They took the samples to institutions that use the same police laboratory to verify their products,” the source added.
“Meanwhile, the suspects have allegedly crossed into South Africa while police continue buying time.”
There are also allegations that senior police officers received bribes to suppress the case — accusations the police boss has strongly denied.
Contacted for comment yesterday, Adv Matsoso insisted investigations were ongoing but said he had not received any report suggesting the suspects had fled the country.
“I am not aware of allegations that the suspects have left the country. Those investigating the matter will brief me once they complete their investigations,” he said.
“This is a very complex and sensitive case. We cannot rush simply because there is public interest.”
Adv Matsoso defended the decision to seek additional testing, insisting it was standard investigative procedure.
“It is normal to conduct multiple tests in order to strengthen findings. There is nothing unusual about that,” he said.
On allegations that senior police officers received bribes, Adv Matsoso dismissed the claims as speculation.
“People will always have opinions about how the police do their work. But we are not going to rush investigations because people are talking.
“This is one of the most difficult cases we have handled and we have to be extremely careful. At the end of the day, if mistakes are made because investigations were rushed, the same people will criticise us.”
He also defended the decision not to formally remand the suspects, saying investigators did not yet have sufficient evidence to secure charges.
“We could not charge people without having a solid case. If investigations eventually establish criminal liability, the suspects will be charged,” he said.
