South African police have dismantled a massive crystal methamphetamine laboratory valued at R350 million (US$20 million; R374 million) after a raid on a remote farm in Volksrust, Mpumalanga, on Friday, 19 September 2025. Three foreign nationals from North America and two others were arrested, while more suspects remain at large.
Police Swoop On Volksrust Farm
According to the SA Police Service, the bust was made possible after officers received a tip-off about “a strange chemical smell” coming from a farm in Oudehoutkloof.
The police said:
“Mpumalanga SAPS dismantled a clandestine crystal methamphetamine laboratory worth an estimated R350 million and arrested five foreign nationals on a farm in Volksrust on Friday, 19 September 2025.”
When police arrived at the property, the suspects attempted to flee but were quickly apprehended. Officers found the gates locked and had to gain entry before securing the scene.
Drugs And Equipment Seized
The Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster reported that the multidisciplinary team seized huge amounts of illicit substances and equipment.
The statement read:
“A thorough search of the premises led to the discovery of large quantities of precursor chemicals, drug-manufacturing equipment, and crystal methamphetamine valued at approximately R350 million, packaged in lunch boxes and buckets stored in freezers.”
Police also found a pellet gun loaded with blank rounds and three live 9mm bullets in the possession of the South African caretaker of the farm.
Suspects Face Immigration And Drug Charges
The suspects arrested include five foreign nationals from a North American country, who were found to be in South Africa illegally. Two other suspects, believed to be from West African countries, managed to escape into nearby bushland.
According to SAPS:
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the five foreign nationals in custody were in the country illegally. They are facing possible charges related to contravening the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act as well as the Immigration Act. The farm caretaker, who is South African, was also arrested and faces possible charges for the possession of ammunition.”
Acting provincial commissioner Major-General Zeph Mkhwanazi praised members of the public who provided the critical tip-off.
He said:
“We applaud the community members who continue to work with police and provide valuable tip-offs. Intelligence-driven operations are ongoing, and we, as police, will stop at nothing in our quest to collapse the illicit drug trade.”
This latest bust comes as South Africa continues to be identified by international reports as one of the largest consumer markets for crystal meth in the world, with its location and porous borders making it a major transit point for trafficking.
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The post 3 North Americans Arrested As SA Police Bust R350 Million Crystal Meth Lab At Remote Farm appeared first on iHarare News.
