Mexican cartel’s SA meth empire exposed
A suspected Sinaloa cartel network is using South Africa to produce industrial-scale methamphetamine for lucrative international markets, with police uncovering labs and Mexican chemists operating across the country.
Mexican drug cartel Sinaloa has been operating a large-scale methamphetamine production facility in South Africa, according to recent investigations. The lab, located near the town of Swartruggens, was capable of producing five tonnes of crystal meth per month, worth around $1 billion in Australia and significantly more on the streets.
The lab came to light after Mexican tourists attempting to visit South Africa's famed wildlife parks were discovered to be chemists sent by the cartel to establish the operation. South Africa's porous borders, abundant natural resources, and weak law enforcement make it an ideal location for drug production. The Sinaloa cartel is believed to be supplying methamphetamine to lucrative markets in Australia and New Zealand, where it is sold at prices 65 to 100 times higher than in the United States.
Mexican nationals were responsible for the operation, with 16 arrests made since 2024. The cartel's modus operandi involves setting up labs on isolated farms near major roads, requiring a constant supply of chemicals sourced from China and India.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
