South African Police Seize $20m Crystal Meth Lab
South African police dismantled a US$20 million crystal methamphetamine lab on a farm near Volksrust, arresting five North American suspects while two others escaped.
Major Meth Lab Seized Near Volksrust
South African police have dismantled a crystal methamphetamine production facility valued at US$20 million on a rural farm in Volksrust, about 225 km south-west of Johannesburg.
Five individuals identified as North American nationals were arrested at the scene, while two suspects believed to be West African fled before the raid. Authorities also detained the farm caretaker after finding three live rounds in his possession.
Officials seized industrial-scale manufacturing equipment, precision weighing scales and containers of the potent stimulant. A pellet gun loaded with blank rounds was also recovered.
Regional Impact
According to the 2022 Global State of Harm Reduction report, South Africa ranks among the world's largest crystal meth markets. Its strategic location and porous borders make it an attractive transit point for illicit drugs.
Last year, another clandestine lab was uncovered on a remote farm, resulting in the arrest of two Mexican and two South African suspects.
The raid underscores South Africa's growing challenge as both a consumer market and transit hub for high-value drugs.
This topic was reported by BBC News.
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