NORTH WEST – Eleven suspects, including four Mexican nationals, have been arrested following the discovery of an illicit drug laboratory on a farm in Swartruggens, North West Province.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Intelligence division raided the farm in the early hours of Wednesday, 13 May 2025, after receiving intelligence about the operation.

Police discovered the clandestine laboratory at Portion 45, Farm Brakspruit, where officers seized drugs and manufacturing equipment valued at an estimated R100 million.

Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, national police spokesperson, confirmed that one of the four Mexican suspects is a woman. The identities of the suspects have not yet been released.

Officers recovered several pieces of manufacturing equipment, including large containers used in the production process. The farm remains an active crime scene as investigators continue their preliminary examination.

Police have not yet confirmed the type of substance being manufactured at the site.

This is a developing story.