Musina – Police have dismantled a multimillion‑rand crystal methamphetamine lab on a Limpopo farm, arresting five suspects, among them two Mexican nationals.
Hawks spokesperson Colonel Avele Fumba said the massive drug bust on a farm in Musina, Vembe District, was carried out late on Thursday, 20 August 2026.
“Five suspects were arrested, while drugs and laboratory equipment with an estimated street value of R600 million, as well as an undisclosed amount of cash, were seized,” Colonel Avele Fumba said.
The other three arrested suspects included two Zimbabweans and a Malawian.
“The breakthrough follows a two-month intensive investigation into suspected drug manufacturing activities at the farm,” said Colonel Fumba.
The high-impact, intelligence-driven operation was carried out by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation – better known as the Hawks.
The operation also involved the South African Police Service (SAPS), South African Narcotics Bureau Head Office, Crime Intelligence Head Office, Special Task Force, Drug Enforcement Agency, and Homeland Security.
“The discovery has exposed an alleged sophisticated, industrial-scale operation believed to have been established for the manufacture of dangerous illicit substances destined for distribution,” said Colonel Fumba.
This was the third clandestine drug laboratory to be shut down in Limpopo.
Commenting on the massive drug bust, Provincial Head of the Hawks in Limpopo, Major General Advocate Gopz Govender, said the operation sends a clear warning to organised criminal networks.
“We have struck at the machinery behind the drug trade,” said Major General Advocate Govender.
“This R600 million seizure is not merely a quantity of drugs taken off the streets; it represents the disruption of an entire criminal enterprise.
“We will follow the money, the networks and every person connected to this operation.
“There will be nowhere to hide.”
Provincial Commissioner of SAPS Limpopo, Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers, said the operation demonstrates law enforcement’s resolve to protect communities from the scourge of illicit drugs.
“We will not allow our communities to become markets for criminal syndicates,” Lieutenant General Scheepers said.
“Those who manufacture and distribute these dangerous substances must know that law enforcement is closing in on them.
“This operation demonstrates that we will act decisively against the drug trade.”
The five suspects, aged between 20 and 47, are expected to appear before the Musina Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 24 August 2026.
“They face charges relating to the manufacture and possession of illicit drugs,” said Colonel Fumba.
“Additional charges may be added as the investigation progresses.”
