Kathmandu— South African authorities, working alongside US federal agencies, raided a large crystal methamphetamine laboratory on a farm near Musina, Limpopo, on Thursday night, resulting in the arrest of five individuals and the confiscation of drugs and equipment estimated to be worth R600 million (nearly $30 million). The operation involved the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Hawks, the US Drug Enforcement Administration, and Homeland Security, following a two-month investigation into industrial-scale drug manufacturing. Two of those arrested are Mexican nationals, with the others originating from Zimbabwe and Malawi. Authorities say the bust represents a significant disruption to a major criminal enterprise.

Joint Operation Leads to Major Seizure

The raid on the farm was carried out late Thursday night by a multi-agency task force including SAPS, the Hawks, US Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security. Colonel Avele Fumba, a spokesman for the Hawks, stated that drugs and laboratory equipment valued at approximately R600 million were seized during the operation, along with an undisclosed amount of cash. This marks the third clandestine drug lab to be shut down in the Limpopo province.

Industrial-Scale Production Disrupted

Investigators had been monitoring activity on the farm for two months prior to the raid, discovering that the facility was equipped for large-scale production of crystal methamphetamine. Major General Gopz Govender, head of the Limpopo Hawks, emphasized the significance of the seizure beyond just removing drugs from circulation. “This R600 million seizure is not merely a quantity of drugs taken off the streets,” he said. “It represents the disruption of an entire criminal enterprise.” He added that authorities would pursue all financial and logistical connections related to the operation.

Border Region Focus of Law Enforcement

The location of Musina, situated at the Beitbridge border post with Zimbabwe – the busiest land crossing in southern Africa – highlights the region’s vulnerability to cross-border criminal activity. Limpopo police commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers affirmed a commitment to protecting local communities from becoming targets for drug syndicates. “Those who manufacture and distribute these dangerous substances must know that law enforcement is closing in on them,” he stated. Officers continued processing the scene Friday morning, documenting evidence within the corrugated iron structure housing the lab.

The five suspects are scheduled to appear in the Musina Magistrate’s Court on Monday facing charges related to manufacturing and possessing illicit drugs. Authorities have indicated they will continue investigating the financial networks supporting the operation.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.