Mexican cartel set up meth labs in southern Africa
Police and international partners uncovered a network of industrial methamphetamine laboratories in southern Africa that investigators allege were set up by Mexico's Sinaloa cartel to supply Australia and New Zealand. A farm near Swartruggens was capable of producing about five tonnes a month, and authorities seized tonnes of solvents and reagents in linked raids, including a Musina operation assisted by US agencies. Investigators cite P2P production, chemical imports from China and India, and arrests of Mexican chemists and local collaborators; the discoveries raise prospects of increased regional trafficking, local consumption, and further multinational probes.
Cartel-run industrial meth labs are operating in southern Africa.
Context
Since 2020, police have found multiple laboratories in South Africa and Nigeria. Investigators say recent raids uncovered industrial equipment and large chemical imports. Authorities may expand raids and forensic checks on shipments linked…
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