UPDATE| Mexicans Among 11 Arrested After R100 Million Drug Lab Found In North West

Eleven suspects, including five Mexican nationals, have been arrested after police uncovered a large-scale drug manufacturing operation in Swartruggens in the North West. Authorities said the illegal lab, discovered on a farm, is estimated to be worth around R100 million.

The arrests were made during an intelligence-led operation carried out on Wednesday. Among those detained was one Mexican woman, alongside four male Mexican nationals.

Mexicans Arrested As North West Drug Bust Uncovers Multi-Million-Rand Lab

Police said the operation involved several specialised law enforcement units working together. The team included members from National Head Office Crime Intelligence, Organised Crime Investigations, and a national unit from the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI).

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National police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe confirmed the scale of the discovery during the operation in Swartruggens. She said the drug manufacturing facility had an estimated value of R100 million.

The arrests form part of ongoing efforts by police to crack down on drug-related crimes across the country.

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Mathe revealed that hundreds of suspects have recently been arrested during anti-drug operations nationwide. “Last week alone, police arrested 280 suspects for dealing in drugs and a further 2 573 suspects for possession of drugs during operations conducted across the country,” Mathe said.

Police have not yet disclosed the exact type of drugs allegedly produced at the North West facility. Investigations into the operation and possible international links are expected to continue.

The suspects are likely to appear in court once investigations progress further.

ATM Bombing Suspects Return To Mmabatho Court

Meanwhile, five suspects linked to an ATM bombing case are expected back in the Mmabatho Magistrates Court on Friday. The group was arrested after police traced alleged gang members to a safehouse in Magogoe, Mahikeng, following an ATM bombing incident in Zeerust last week.

Three suspects were killed during a shootout with police during the operation. North West police later confirmed that one of the arrested suspects is 37-year-old police officer Moses Katlego Modieginyana.

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Modieginyana appeared in court alongside Otsogile Galebalwe (43), Tshepo Maleka (43), Rodney Katlego Monama (46), and Lawrence Bakang Magashula (50). The accused face charges including murder, attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, as well as possession of explosives.

The matter was postponed to 15 May 2026 for a formal bail application.