South African police have uncovered one of the country’s largest methamphetamine manufacturing operations, leading to the arrest of four suspects, including two Mexicans. The discovery was made on a farm in Groblersdal, a small town in Limpopo province, according to a police statement issued on Saturday.
The lab was found to contain significant quantities of chemicals used in illicit drug production, such as acetone and crystal meth, with an estimated street value of 2 billion rand ($109.5 million).
Katlego Mogale, national spokesperson for the Hawks, an elite police unit involved in the raid, noted that the presence of Mexican nationals made the case particularly complex. “What sets this apart from other seizures is the involvement of Mexican citizens,” Mogale told Reuters. “It means our task has just become very difficult.”
It remains unclear whether the suspects were producing drugs for distribution within South Africa or for export.
South Africa’s strategic location and international trade connections make it a major drug transit country, with increasing concerns over the rise of synthetic drugs, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The 2023 World Drug Report highlights a growing trend in methamphetamine trafficking across Africa.
As the investigation continues, the arrested suspects are scheduled to appear in court on Monday, facing charges of manufacturing, dealing, and possessing illicit drugs.
