4 Mexicans among 11 arrested in R100 million North West drug lab bust

By Akani Nkuna

The South African Police Service’s (SAPS) Crime Intelligence Unit has arrested 11 suspects, including four Mexican nationals and one woman, after uncovering a drug manufacturing laboratory worth an estimated R100 million on a farm in Swartruggens, North West.

North West Acting Police Commissioner Major General Ryno Naidoo told reporters at the scene that police launched an investigation several days ago after community members reported a foul smell emanating from the farm.

“When they took down this place they discovered a crystal meth laboratory, huge quantities of chemicals. On further searching of the property they also found a gold processing plant,” said Naidoo.

Naidoo said the farm was operating under the guise of a game lodge, but its “real business” was drug manufacturing and gold processing.

Three of the arrested suspects are South African citizens, while the others are foreign nationals from Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Mexico. Police said