South African police have arrested five people following the discovery of an alleged large-scale crystal methamphetamine manufacturing operation on a farm in Limpopo Province.
Authorities said drugs and laboratory equipment with an estimated street value of more than $37 million were seized during an overnight raid. An undisclosed amount of cash was also recovered.
Suspects From Three Countries
Police said the suspects, aged between 20 and 47, include two Mexican nationals, two Zimbabwean nationals and one Malawian.
According to authorities, the operation appeared to have been established for the industrial-scale production of illicit drugs intended for distribution.
“The discovery has exposed an alleged sophisticated, industrial-scale operation,” police said.
Concerns Over International Drug Networks
The raid comes after several recent drug investigations involving Mexican nationals in South Africa.
Authorities say the pattern has raised concerns that Latin American drug cartels may be expanding their operations into Africa and establishing links with criminal groups operating locally.
The head of the Hawks in Limpopo, South Africa’s priority-crime investigation unit, said the latest operation demonstrated the authorities’ determination to disrupt organised criminal networks.
Suspects Face Court
The five suspects are expected to appear before the Musina Magistrates Court on Monday, where they will face charges relating to the alleged manufacture and possession of illicit drugs.
The investigation is expected to continue as authorities seek to establish the full extent of the suspected operation and identify any other individuals connected to it.
Growing Regional Meth Market
South Africa is a significant market for methamphetamine, while demand for the drug has also been growing in neighbouring countries.
A 2025 report by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime warned that drug laboratories in South Africa and Mozambique reflected the growing presence of Latin American criminal networks in Africa and their cooperation with local organised crime groups.
The suspects remain innocent unless proven guilty in court.
