Drugs and laboratory equipment with an estimated street value of R600 million, along with an undisclosed amount of cash. Image:SAPS
Limpopo
1Min
South Africa
Hawks bust R600 million crystal meth lab in Musina, five arrested
Five foreign nationals have been arrested after a suspected clandestine crystal methamphetamine laboratory was uncovered on a farm in Musina, Limpopo, with drugs, laboratory equipment and cash worth an estimated R600 million seized.
A suspected multimillion-rand crystal methamphetamine manufacturing operation in Musina has been dealt a major blow following an intelligence-driven operation involving the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) and several law enforcement agencies.
The operation, conducted in the late hours of Thursday, 20 August 2026, uncovered a suspected clandestine drug laboratory on a farm in the Vhembe District.
Five suspects, aged between 20 and 47, were arrested during the operation. They include two Mexican nationals, two Zimbabwean nationals and one Malawian national.
Authorities seized drugs and laboratory equipment with an estimated street value of R600 million, along with an undisclosed amount of cash.
The operation followed a two-month investigation into suspected drug manufacturing activities at the farm. Investigators believe the facility was being used for the industrial-scale production of dangerous illicit substances destined for distribution.
The Hawks said the shutdown marks the third clandestine drug laboratory to be dismantled in Limpopo.
Limpopo Hawks Provincial Head Major General Adv. Gopz Govender said the seizure had disrupted more than just the supply of drugs.
“We have struck at the machinery behind the drug trade. This R600 million seizure is not merely a quantity of drugs taken off the streets; it represents the disruption of an entire criminal enterprise.”
Govender said investigators would continue tracing the financial and criminal networks allegedly linked to the operation.
“We will follow the money, the networks and every person connected to this operation. There will be nowhere to hide,” he said.
SAPS Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers said the operation demonstrated law enforcement’s determination to prevent criminal syndicates from turning communities into markets for illicit drugs.
“We will not allow our communities to become markets for criminal syndicates.”
Scheepers said those involved in the manufacture and distribution of dangerous substances should expect decisive action from law enforcement.
The five suspects are expected to appear before the Musina Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 24 August 2026, where they will face charges relating to the manufacture and possession of illicit drugs.
The Hawks said additional charges could be added as the investigation continues.
