Eleven suspects, including five Mexican nationals, are expected to appear before the Swartruggens Magistrate's Court following the discovery of a large-scale illegal drug manufacturing operation in North West.
The suspects were arrested during an intelligence-driven operation conducted by the South African Police Service, which led investigators to an alleged drug laboratory valued at more than R1 billion.
Police also seized approximately 481 kilograms of methamphetamine during the operation.
Authorities say preliminary investigations suggest the facility is the fourth drug laboratory uncovered in South Africa with alleged links to Mexican criminal networks.
The investigation remains ongoing as police continue to probe the full extent of the operation and possible international connections.