South African police have uncovered an industrial-scale meth lab and arrested four suspects, including two Mexican nationals, in one of the country’s largest drug busts to date.
The lab was discovered on a farm in Groblersdal, a small town in Limpopo province, according to a police statement released on Saturday.
Limpopo, the northernmost province of South Africa, shares borders with Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique.
Law enforcement agents found large quantities of chemicals, such as acetone, used in the production of crystal meth. The seized chemicals had 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, highlighted the significance of the involvement of Mexican citizens in the bust.
“It means that our task has just become very difficult,” Mogale stated, noting the complexity added by this international dimension.
It remains unclear whether the suspects were manufacturing drugs for distribution within South Africa or for export.
South Africa’s geographical location and international trade links make it a major drug transit country, and it is also becoming a significant market for synthetic drugs, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
The UNODC’s 2023 World Drug Report indicated a rise in methamphetamine trafficking across Africa. Methamphetamine is described by the UN as a powerful and highly addictive stimulant that impacts the central nervous system, potentially causing severe health issues including rapid or irregular heartbeat.
The United States Drug Enforcement Administration warns that high doses can result in death from stroke, heart attack, or multiple organ failure due to overheating.
Acetone, a colorless liquid commonly used as a solvent in various products, can also be used illegally in drug production. As the investigation continues, the arrested suspects are scheduled to make their first court appearance on Monday, facing charges of manufacturing, dealing, and possession of illicit drugs.
