South African border authorities have intercepted a truck carrying drugs worth nearly R961 million, marking one of the country’s largest single drug seizures as concerns mount over southern Africa’s role in the international narcotics trade.

The Border Management Authority discovered more than 700kg of methaqualone during an eight-hour search at the Beitbridge border post with Zimbabwe on Wednesday. The substance is used to manufacture Mandrax, a highly addictive drug with a strong market in South Africa.

Three foreign nationals – two from Malawi and one from Zambia – were arrested in connection with the haul. The truck had been travelling from Malawi when it was stopped by security forces.

A spokesperson for the authority confirmed investigations are underway to determine the intended destination of the drugs and whether the suspects form part of a broader transnational criminal network operating within the region or globally.

The seizure comes just two weeks after authorities uncovered one of South Africa’s largest methamphetamine laboratories on a farm near Swartruggens in North West province. That intelligence-driven operation on 13 May resulted in the arrest of 11 suspects and the confiscation of approximately 481kg of methamphetamine, along with manufacturing equipment and chemicals valued at more than R1 billion.

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The Swartruggens bust involved five Mexican nationals, two Mozambicans, one Zimbabwean and three South Africans. Two farm owners later handed themselves over to police, bringing the total number of accused to 13. Nine of the suspects were found to be in South Africa illegally.

The 13 appeared in the Swartruggens Magistrate’s Court on 22 May on charges including drug manufacturing, illegal possession of precious metals, illegal possession of hazardous materials and contravention of the Immigration Act. The case was postponed to 12 June for bail applications.

The presence of Mexican nationals in the Swartruggens operation has raised concerns about Mexican cartels establishing operations in southern Africa. Over the past two years, at least four major drug manufacturing laboratories involving Mexican nationals have been dismantled in South Africa.

The latest border seizure and the Swartruggens laboratory discovery underscore the region’s emerging role as a key player in global drug trafficking networks.

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