Over 481kg of methamphetamine seized in massive North West drug bust

By Mapaballo Borotho

The Hawks say more than 481 kilograms of methamphetamine has been seized at a drug laboratory in North West with an estimated value exceeding R1 billion.
Eleven suspects, including Mexican, Mozambican, Zimbabwean and South African nationals, have appeared in court following the bust.
Authorities say the case forms part of ongoing probes into alleged international drug syndicates operating in South Africa.

At least 481 kilograms of methamphetamine with an estimated street value amounting to millions of rand was discovered at a drug laboratory in North West earlier this week.

The Hawks say the quantity could increase once the entire crime scene has been fully processed.

Authorities estimate the value of the illicit drug laboratory to exceed R1 billion.

The drug lab was uncovered earlier this week, leading to the immediate arrest of 11 suspects at the scene.

The accused include five Mexican nationals, Fabian Astorga, Jesus Alonso, Medina Astorga, Luis Alberto Ramirez Rios, Jose Andres Medina, and Jacquelin Lopez Madrid, the only woman among the group.

Also arrested were two Mozambican nationals, Ismael Afiado Massingue and Lourenco Constantino Cumbane; one Zimbabwean national, Tobias Soyani; and three South African citizens, Tyron John Schutte, Kyle Schutte and Vusi Amos Mkambi.

The group appeared before the Swartruggens Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 15 May 2026.

The matter was postponed for seven days to allow for interpreters, verification of immigration statuses, and possible formal bail applications.

They are expected back in court on 22 May 2026 and remain in custody.

Meanwhile, Hawks spokesperson Katlego Mogale said this is the fourth drug laboratory discovered in South Africa with alleged Mexican links.

“At this stage, the owners of the property have not yet been located. However, the owner’s son and other relatives were among those arrested. The owners are currently required for questioning as investigations continue.

“Due to the sensitive nature of the ongoing investigation, certain information cannot be divulged at this stage and will be communicated in due course,” added Mogale.