How Mexican cartels turned South African farms into meth production hubs
Summary
Mexican drug cartels have set up large methamphetamine labs on remote farms in South Africa. Police have uncovered several such farms in recent years, showing a pattern of cartels producing meth locally instead of just trafficking it into Africa.Key Facts
- Authorities found a meth lab worth about $60 million on a farm in Swartruggens, South Africa, leading to arrests of five Mexicans and some South Africans.
- Similar meth labs linked to Mexican cartels have been found in other parts of South Africa, including Limpopo, Tshwane, and Mpumalanga.
- The labs are located on isolated farms far from towns to avoid detection.
- Mexican cartels are moving chemists and production into Africa instead of only trafficking meth from Mexico.
- This trend began around 2016 in Nigeria and spread through East Africa down to South Africa.
- Local production helps cartels reduce transport risks and costs, producing closer to consumers.
- South Africa’s meth market grows because meth is a cheaper, addictive alternative to cocaine and heroin.
- Corruption and protection from some police and politicians allow these operations to remain hidden and profitable.
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