Four arrested in multimillion meth lab bust in South Africa: summary

What we know

• Four suspects, including a farm owner and two Mexican nationals, were arrested on July 19, 2024, during an intelligence-driven operation by the Limpopo Serious Organised Crime Investigation (SOCI) team, supported by the Limpopo Tactical Response Team. 
• The arrests took place at a farm in Groblersdal, where a multimillion-rand clandestine drug laboratory was uncovered.
• The arrests, made on Friday, were the result of a joint operation by the Limpopo Hawks and the Limpopo South African Police Service (SAPS). Police Minister Senzo Mchunu commended the arrest of the four suspects, who are expected to appear in the Groblersdal Magistrate’s Court today on charges of manufacturing, dealing, and possession of illicit drugs.
• The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation has been actively cracking down on illegal drug operations this year, uncovering 10 clandestine drug laboratories and making 34 arrests to date.
• According to a statement, law enforcement agents found large quantities of chemicals, such as acetone, used in the production of illicit drugs, including crystal meth. The seized drugs have an estimated street value of 2 billion rand ($109.5 million).

 What they said

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (HAWKS) in a statement that, “It is reported that the Hawks in Limpopo received information about suspicious activities taking place at the farm, which was then operationalised, and the multi-disciplinary team pounced. Four structures on the property were searched and large quantities of chemicals used in the manufacturing of illicit drugs including acetone as well as crystal meth with an estimated street value of R2 billion were recovered.”