South African police have uncovered three Mexican-linked industrial methamphetamine labs since mid-2024, a string of raids that authorities and organized crime experts say points to a major shift in the global drug trade: cartels are no longer just moving drugs through Africa. They are increasingly producing them there.
The labs, found in rural parts of South Africa, contained more than $151 million worth of crystal methamphetamine, known locally as "tik," according to Africa Defense Forum. Eight Mexican nationals were among those arrested in the operations, along with local suspects, after police found chemicals, manufacturing equipment, and finished drugs hidden on farms and remote properties.
