The Hawks have shut down a suspected R600 million crystal methamphetamine laboratory on a farm in Musina, Limpopo, following a two-month investigation.

Authorities arrested five foreign nationals during an intelligence-driven operation late on Thursday, 20 August.

Officers also seized drugs and laboratory equipment, as well as an undisclosed amount of cash.

Five foreign nationals arrested in Musina raid

The suspects, aged between 20 and 47, include two Mexican nationals, two Zimbabwean nationals and one Malawian national.

Investigators believe the farm housed a sophisticated, industrial-scale operation used to manufacture illicit drugs for distribution.

The Hawks led the raid alongside the South African Police Service (SAPS), South African Narcotics Bureau Head Office, Crime Intelligence Head Office, Hawks Limpopo, Special Task Force, Drug Enforcement Agency and Homeland Security.

The latest bust marks the third clandestine drug laboratory authorities have shut down in Limpopo.

Hawks target network behind R600m operation

Hawks Limpopo provincial head Major General Gopz Govender said investigators would now turn their attention to the people and money behind the alleged operation.

“We have struck at the machinery behind the drug trade,” Govender said.

“This R600 million seizure is not merely a quantity of drugs taken off the streets; it represents the disruption of an entire criminal enterprise.”

Govender vowed to pursue those linked to the operation.

“We will follow the money, the networks and every person connected to this operation. There will be nowhere to hide.”

Limpopo police commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers said the raid showed authorities would continue targeting organised drug networks.

“We will not allow our communities to become markets for criminal syndicates,” Scheepers said.

“Those who manufacture and distribute these dangerous substances must know that law enforcement is closing in on them.”

Musina suspects due in court

The five suspects are expected to appear in the Musina Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 24 August.

They face charges relating to the manufacture and possession of illicit drugs.

Authorities said the investigation remains underway and additional charges could follow.