Major Drug Bust Uncovers Industrial-Scale Meth Lab in South Africa

South African police have uncovered a large meth manufacturing lab in Groblersdal, Limpopo province, resulting in the arrest of four suspects, including two Mexicans. Chemicals with an estimated street value of 2 billion rand ($109.5 million) were seized. The suspects will face charges of manufacturing and dealing in illicit drugs.

South African police have uncovered an industrial-scale meth manufacturing lab in one of the country's biggest ever drug busts and arrested four suspects, including two Mexicans, they said on Saturday. The lab was discovered on a farm in Groblersdal, a small town in Limpopo province, the police stated.

Authorities found large quantities of chemicals used in the manufacturing of illicit drugs, including acetone and crystal meth, with an estimated street value of 2 billion rand ($109.5 million), according to the statement. 'What makes this different from other seizures is the involvement of Mexican citizens,' said Katlego Mogale, national spokesperson for the Hawks, an elite police unit that took part in the raid.

'It means that our task has just become very difficult,' she told Reuters. It remains unclear whether the suspects were manufacturing drugs for local distribution or for export.

South Africa's geography and international trade links make it a major drug transit country, while it is also becoming a prominent market for synthetic drugs, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). Methamphetamine trafficking is on the rise in Africa, the U.N. agency reported in its 2023 World Drug Report.

As the investigation continues, the arrested suspects are scheduled to make their first court appearance on Monday on charges of manufacturing, dealing, and possessing illicit drugs, the police statement revealed. ($1 = 18.2698 rand)

(With inputs from agencies.)