Foreign Nationals Nabbed as Police Bust Multi-Million Rand Drug Lab in Volksrust

VOLKSRUST, MPUMALANGA, 20 Sept 2025 – In a major breakthrough against international drug syndicates, the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga has dismantled a sophisticated clandestine laboratory and seized crystal methamphetamine with an estimated street value of R350 million on a farm in Volksrust.

The intelligence-driven operation on Friday led to the arrest of five foreign nationals from a North American country, while two other suspects, believed to be from West African countries, managed to flee into nearby bushes and are currently the subject of a manhunt.

READ: KZN Farm Raid: Hawks Seize R30M Dagga, 6 Guns

A Sophisticated and Clandestine Operation

A thorough search of the farm premises revealed the extensive scale of the illegal operation. Police discovered:

• Large quantities of precursor chemicals used in the manufacturing of drugs.
• Specialized drug-manufacturing equipment indicative of a sophisticated lab.
• The finished product, crystal methamphetamine, valued at R350 million, ingeniously concealed packaged inside lunch boxes and buckets stored in freezers to avoid detection.

Weapons and Additional Arrests

The operation also uncovered a security threat. Police found a pellet gun loaded with blank rounds on the premises. Furthermore, three live 9mm rounds were found in the possession of the South African farm caretaker, who was subsequently arrested for possession of ammunition.

Illegal Immigration and Ongoing Investigations

Preliminary investigations revealed that the five apprehended foreign nationals were in the country illegally. They are now facing serious charges related to contravening the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act as well as the Immigration Act.

The successful disruption of this multi-million rand operation is a significant victory for SAPS in its ongoing mission to combat organized crime and get #DrugsOffTheStreets. The search for the two fugitives continues.