Two Mexicans have been arrested in South Africa following a significant police investigation into a multi-million dollar crystal methamphetamine laboratory discovered on a remote farm in the Limpopo province, near the border with Zimbabwe. The lab, located near Musina, is believed to be a key component of a larger, sophisticated operation involving Mexican nationals, according to South African authorities. Police reported that the investigation began two months ago, focusing on suspicious activities at the farm, which ultimately led to a raid that resulted in the arrest of two Zimbabweans and a Malawian national.
The lab, which is estimated to be worth around 600 million rand ($37 million; £27 million), was seized overnight, revealing a complex industrial-scale operation. Drug and equipment totaling approximately 600 meters squared were recovered, alongside an undisclosed amount of cash. The police stated that this is not an isolated incident; South Africa has recently identified several instances of Mexican nationals establishing meth labs on remote farms across the continent, with several involving arrests in recent years.
In May, police arrested 11 individuals, including four Mexicans, after uncovering a suspected drug lab worth $6 million on a remote farm north-west of Johannesburg. This case followed earlier arrests in September when five Mexicans were apprehended after dismantling a crystal meth lab, yielding an estimated $20 million in drug proceeds. In July 2024, three Mexicans were among those rearrested at uncovering a crystal meth lab and drugs worth $108 million on a remote farm also in Limpopo province.
The police investigation, which is being conducted under the auspices of the UN, points to a growing criminal network operating across the globe, with South Africa acting as a strategic transit point. The discovery has exposed an alleged sophisticated, industrial-scale operation designed for the manufacture of dangerous illicit substances destined for distribution. The lab’s location in a dense forested area of the West African nation, a region with porous borders, has intensified concerns about potential smuggling routes.
The South African government has acknowledged the growing threat posed by organized crime, particularly drug trafficking, and has emphasized the importance of international cooperation to combat this issue. Authorities are also highlighting the potential impact of the lab on the regional economy, particularly the tourism and agricultural sectors.
The investigation is being led by counter-narcotics officials at the US-Africa Command (Africom), who recently reported that since 2023, 14 Mexican-operated laboratories have been raided on the continent, found in Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, and South Africa. Experts suggest that this escalating activity indicates a shift in criminal cartels, moving beyond traditional trafficking hubs to actively establishing production bases within Africa.
To learn more about this developing story, visit BBCAfrica.com for updates and related news. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica.
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Source: BBC Africa
