South African police uncover multimillion dollar methamphetamine laboratory
South African police have uncovered an industrial-scale meth manufacturing lab in one of the country’s largest drug busts to date, leading to the arrest of four suspects, including two Mexican nationals, authorities announced on Saturday.
According to a police statement, the laboratory was found on a farm in Groblersdal, located in Limpopo province.
Authorities seized significant quantities of chemicals used in producing illicit drugs, including acetone and crystal methamphetamine, estimated to be worth 2bn rand ($109.5m).
“This seizure stands out due to the involvement of Mexican citizens,” said Katlego Mogale, national spokesperson for the Hawks, an elite police unit involved in the operation. “It signifies a new challenge for law enforcement,” she added, speaking to Reuters.
Mogale emphasised that it remains unclear whether the suspects were manufacturing drugs for distribution within South Africa or elsewhere.
The police siad investigation is ongoing, with the arrested individuals scheduled to appear in court on Monday to face charges related to manufacturing, dealing, and possessing illicit drugs.
South Africa serves as a major transit point for drug trafficking due to its geographic location and international trade connections. Additionally, the country is experiencing an increase in the market for synthetic drugs, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
The UN agency highlighted rising methamphetamine trafficking across Africa in its 2023 World Drug Report.
