South African authorities have arrested five foreign nationals after uncovering a suspected industrial-scale crystal methamphetamine laboratory on a farm in Musina, Limpopo province.
The suspects comprise two Mexican nationals, two Zimbabweans and one Malawian, aged between 20 and 47.
The raid was carried out late Thursday following a two-month investigation into drug manufacturing at the farm near South Africa’s northern border with Zimbabwe.
The operation involved the the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Homeland Security, alongside South Africa’s Hawks, South African Police Service, South African Narcotics Bureau, Crime Intelligence and the Special Task Force.
Police said drugs and laboratory equipment worth an estimated R600 million (about $37 million) were seized during the operation, along with an undisclosed amount of cash.
According to Hawks spokesman Colonel Avele Fumba, the investigation found that the laboratory had been established for industrial-scale drug production.
Limpopo Hawks head Major General Gopz Govender said the seizure represented the disruption of an entire criminal enterprise, adding that authorities would investigate the money, networks and individuals connected to the operation.
Limpopo police commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers said law enforcement would continue targeting those involved in the manufacture and distribution of illicit drugs.
The suspects are expected to appear before the Musina Magistrate’s Court on Monday, where they are expected to face charges relating to the manufacturing and possession of illicit drugs.
Additional charges could be filed as investigations continue.
The latest operation comes amid growing concerns over the involvement of Mexican nationals and suspected Latin American criminal networks in methamphetamine production in South Africa.
In May, police uncovered another large methamphetamine laboratory on a remote farm in Swartruggens, northwest of Johannesburg, where 11 suspects, including four Mexicans, were arrested.
Authorities estimated the value of drugs produced at that facility at about $15m.
(The Whistler)
