Investigations are underway after news came to light that a massive meth lab, with Mexican links, was uncovered on a farm in Groblersdal in Limpopo over the weekend.

Five people, including three Mexican nationals, and the owner of the farm, a South African, have been arrested.

Hawks spokesperson Katlego Mogale says a multi-disciplinary team pounced on the farm after receiving information about suspicious activities taking place.

Four structures on the property were searched on Friday 19 July, and large quantities of chemicals used in the manufacturing of illicit drugs, including acetone as well as crystal meth with an estimated street value of R2 billion were recovered.

Four men were initially arrested, namely Gonzales Jorge (51), Gutierrez Lopes (43), Simphiwe Khumalo (35) and Frederick Botha (67).

They appeared before the Groblersdal District Court on 22 July. A fifth suspect, Ruben Vidal Rodriguez (44) was then arrested, also on 22 July.

As the investigation continues, Mogale has revealed the Hawks have uncovered 10 clandestine drug laboratories and made 34 arrests, since the beginning of this year.

Analysts believe methamphetamine traffickers in Mexico have become global wholesalers, constantly looking for new markets.

The American DEA says the Mexican Sinaloa Cartel is diversifying its chemical suppliers, including for meth, and has a presence in 47 countries including South Africa.

The Institute for Security Studies’ Martin Ewi says South Africa has long been a hub for heroin and cocaine trafficking, with methamphetamine smuggling now rearing its head.

According to a 2021 report by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, South Africa has also become a major consumer of meth and the market is growing in neighboring countries and elsewhere in the region.

“The consumer base for meth in South Africa appears to be significantly greater than initially imagined, marking it potentially among the largest meth consumer markets in the world.”