In brief
South African police uncovered a multi-million‑rand methamphetamine laboratory on a farm near Musina, leading to the arrest of two Mexican nationals, alongside Zimbabweans and a Malawian. The raid, the result of a two‑month investigation, seized drugs and equipment worth 600 million rand ($37m) plus cash. This follows a trend of large meth labs discovered on remote African farms, many involving Mexican crew, reflecting the expanding reach of Mexican cartels across the continent.
South African police uncovered a multi‑million‑rand crystal meth laboratory on a farm near Musina, prompting the raid that resulted in the arrest of two Mexican nationals.
The operation took place overnight at a remote property in Limpopo province, close to the Zimbabwean border, and also led to the detainment of two Zimbabweans and a Malawian national.
According to the police, the investigation spanned two months and concluded with the seizure of drugs and equipment valued at 600 million rand (around $37 million), plus an undisclosed amount of cash.
This raid follows a pattern of large meth labs uncovered on isolated farms throughout Africa, with a notable number involving Mexican nationals. In May, a 6 million‑dollar lab was found north of Johannesburg, and in September last year a 20 million‑dollar facility was dismantled in the country’s east, while July 2024 saw a 108 million‑dollar lab seized in Limpopo.
The five suspects newly apprehended in Musina are scheduled to appear in court on Monday to face charges related to drug manufacturing and possession. Police officials described the discovery as exposing an “alleged sophisticated, industrial‑scale operation” aimed at producing dangerous illicit substances for distribution.
