Mexican cartels expand methamphetamine production across Africa

Mexican drug cartels are establishing industrial-scale methamphetamine production networks across Africa to supply lucrative markets in Australia and New Zealand, where prices significantly exceed those in the United States. In South Africa, authorities recently raided a laboratory near Swartruggens capable of producing five tonnes of crystal meth per month, with an estimated wholesale value of $1 billion in Australia.

Investigators have linked these operations to the Sinaloa Cartel, which utilizes vast, isolated areas and major shipping connections to move precursor chemicals sourced from China and India. Since 2024, 16 Mexican nationals have been arrested in South Africa in connection with illegal laboratories. Similar industrial-scale operations have been uncovered in Nigeria, with authorities dismantling labs in Ogun and Oyo states and arresting Mexican nationals.

In Mozambique, Mexican nationals were also arrested in Maputo alongside seized precursor chemicals. Security analysts warn that Africa's insecure borders and corruption risks make the continent increasingly vulnerable to the expansion of these transnational criminal networks.