Officials in South Africa uncovered a methamphetamine lab on a farm and seized about $20 million worth of drugs, according to a statement released Saturday. Five North American citizens were arrested.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) received a tip about unusual activity on a farm in Oudehoutkloof, Volksrust, located roughly 150 miles from Johannesburg in Mpumalanga province. The caller reported “a strange chemical smell emanating from the premises.”
During their search, officers found precursor chemicals, drug-making equipment, a pellet gun loaded with blanks, and three live 9mm rounds carried by a farm caretaker. They also discovered crystal meth valued at $20 million, packed in buckets and lunchboxes, and stored in freezers.
Photos shared by South African Police Service showed multiple containers and heavy machinery inside the facility.
Five suspects attempted to flee on foot but were taken into custody. Police confirmed they were North Americans in the country illegally, though they did not specify which nation. All face potential drug and immigration-related charges.
The South African caretaker was also arrested and may face charges for possession of ammunition. In total, six suspects remain in custody and are expected to appear in court soon.
Authorities said two additional suspects, believed to be from West African nations, escaped into nearby bushes and avoided capture.
The lab is now being dismantled. Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, acting provincial commissioner of SAPS, called the operation “a step in the right direction” toward clearing Mpumalanga of drugs.
South Africa has become one of the world’s largest crystal meth markets. In 2022, police dismantled another large-scale meth lab in a rural area, seizing $100 million worth of precursor chemicals and arresting two South Africans and three Mexican suspects.
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