Five Arrested, Including Two Mexican Nationals, as Hawks Bust R600 Million Illegal Drug Lab on Farm in Musina
Musina – Authorities have shut down a multimillion-rand crystal methamphetamine operation on a farm in Limpopo, apprehending five individuals, including two nationals from Mexico.
According to Hawks spokesperson Colonel Avele Fumba, the significant drug operation was executed on a farm in Musina, Vembe District, late on Thursday, August 20, 2026.
“Five people were taken into custody, with drugs and lab equipment valued at approximately R600 million, alongside an undisclosed sum of cash, being confiscated,” Colonel Avele Fumba stated.
The remaining three suspects include two individuals from Zimbabwe and one from Malawi.
“This breakthrough comes after an extensive two-month investigation into suspected drug production activities at the farm,” Colonel Fumba explained.
The high-impact, intelligence-led operation was conducted by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, commonly referred to as the Hawks.
The operation also involved collaboration with 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 revealed an alleged sophisticated, large-scale operation that appears to have been set up for the production of dangerous illegal substances intended for distribution,” Colonel Fumba remarked.
This marks the third covert drug lab to be closed down in Limpopo.
Commenting on the significant drug seizure, Major General Advocate Gopz Govender, Provincial Head of the Hawks in Limpopo, stated that the operation serves as a strong warning to organized criminal groups.
“We have targeted the machinery behind the drug trade,” Major General Advocate Govender expressed.
“This R600 million confiscation is not just a large quantity of narcotics removed from circulation; it signifies the disruption of an entire criminal operation.
“We will trace the finances, the networks, and every individual linked to this operation.
“There will be no place for them to hide.”
Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers, Provincial Commissioner of SAPS Limpopo, stated that the operation showcases law enforcement’s commitment to safeguarding communities from the dangers of illegal drugs.
“We will not permit our communities to become targets for criminal syndicates,” Lieutenant General Scheepers affirmed.
“Those involved in the manufacturing and distribution of these hazardous substances should understand that law enforcement is closing in.
“This operation emphasizes our decisive action against the drug trade.”
The five suspects, aged between 20 and 47, are expected to appear before the Musina Magistrate’s Court on Monday, August 24, 2026.
“They are facing charges related to the manufacture and possession of illegal drugs,” Colonel Fumba said.
“Additional charges might be added as the investigation continues.”
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