Mpumalanga – Police have dismantled a clandestine crystal methamphetamine laboratory worth an estimated R350 million and arrested five foreign nationals, the South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed on Friday.
The operation was carried out on 19 September 2025 at a farm in Volksrust.
“Five foreign nationals from a North American country were arrested, while two other suspects – believed to be from West African countries – managed to evade arrest by fleeing into nearby bushes,” police said in a statement.
#sapsMP Mpumalanga #SAPS dismantled a clandestine crystal methamphetamine laboratory worth an estimated R350 million and arresting five foreign nationals on a farm in Volksrust on Friday, 19 September 2025.
Five foreign nationals from a North American country were arrested,… pic.twitter.com/BuNpOVqqjZ
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) September 20, 2025
SAPS said the raid formed part of its ongoing crackdown on drug trafficking networks operating in South Africa.
Officers seized large quantities of crystal methamphetamine, chemical precursors and manufacturing equipment during the bust.
Police spokespersons said efforts were underway to track down the two suspects who escaped and to establish possible links between the laboratory and international drug syndicates.
The five arrested suspects are expected to appear in court soon on charges relating to drug manufacturing and trafficking.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
