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Eleven Suspects, Including Five Mexicans, Two Mozambicans, One Zimbabwean and Three South Africans, Remanded in Custody After Hawks Bust Alleged R1 Billion Methamphetamine Laboratory in North West Eleven suspects are expected to appear before the Swartruggens Magistrate’s Court in North West after a Hawks-led operation uncovered a suspected clandestine methamphetamine laboratory valued at about R1 billion. The accused include foreign nationals and South Africans arrested following an intelligence-driven raid conducted on 13 May 2026 in the province. The operation was carried out by Crime Intelligence Head Office, Organised Crime Head Office, and the Hawks’ South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau, with support from other stakeholders. Arrested were five Mexican nationals including Fabian Astorga, Jesus Alonso, Medina Astorga, Luis Alberto Ramirez Rios, Jose Andres Medina, Jacquelin Lopez Madrid, alongside Mozambican, Zimbabwean and South African suspects. During the raid, officers discovered a large-scale facility allegedly used for methamphetamine manufacturing and seized tons of chemicals and equipment, along with three firearms. Police confirmed 481 kilograms of methamphetamine worth millions of rand, while the laboratory is estimated at over R1 billion. Investigations continue into owners linked to Mexican syndicates. All eleven suspects remain in custody and are expected to appear in court as investigations continue. Authorities are still tracing the property owners for questioning and say the probe into the drug network remains ongoing as law enforcement works to dismantle the alleged syndicate.

This is Mazwi Mpumelelo Khubheka, he is missing. He was allegedly kidnapped after Refusing to sell his spaza shop to Pakistani Spaza shops owners. Nearly a month has passed since the alleged kidnapping of Mazwi, with his family still seeking answers. They believe he was targeted after opening a spaza shop and say investigators have not provided updates. According to the family, an unknown man had pressured Mazwi to sell his shop to Pakistani nationals, which he refused. They also allege that a security company is protecting foreign shop owners while forcing locals to close. The family is urging authorities to act urgently and provide clarity, saying the case requires serious attention as concerns grow over what may have happened to him.