South Africa Uncovers R600M Crystal Meth Lab in Limpopo

By Staff, Agencies

South African authorities have uncovered a crystal meth laboratory worth more than R600 million [nearly $30M] on a farm in Musina, Limpopo, arresting five people, including two Mexican nationals, the South African Police Service [SAPS] said Friday.

The lab was raided late Thursday by a joint operation involving the US Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security, alongside South African law enforcement agencies. Authorities seized drugs, laboratory equipment, and an undisclosed amount of cash.

The suspects, aged between 20 and 47, include two Mexicans, two Zimbabweans, and one Malawian. Hawks spokesman Colonel Avele Fumba said the raid followed a two-month investigation and targeted a facility established for industrial-scale drug production. It is the third clandestine drug lab dismantled in Limpopo.

Limpopo Hawks Head Major General Gopz Govender said the R600 million seizure had disrupted an entire criminal enterprise, adding that authorities would pursue its financial networks and those connected to the operation.

Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers said authorities would not allow local communities to become markets for drug syndicates, warning manufacturers and distributors that law enforcement was closing in.

Officers continued processing the scene Friday morning, with police photographs showing a makeshift facility containing industrial steel pots, gas cylinders, and other equipment.

Musina lies near the Beitbridge border crossing with Zimbabwe, the busiest land border crossing in southern Africa. The five suspects face charges of manufacturing and possessing illicit drugs and are due to appear before the Musina Magistrate’s Court on Monday.