South Africa is the synthetic drug capital of the continent

South Africa was identified as having the most pervasive synthetic drug market in Africa, according to the 2025 Enact Africa Organised Crime Index.

The index, compiled by the Institute for Security Studies, Interpol, and the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime, explores the dynamics of criminality and resilience on the continent.

Overall, South Africa received the second-highest criminality score on the continent, at 7.43. In terms of the synthetic drug trade, the country received a score of 9 out of 10, with Nigeria (8.5) and Egypt (8) following close behind.

This score comprises a criminal market rating (7.17) and a criminal actor rating (7.7). Of the criminal markets, the synthetic drug trade was determined to be the most severe.

Synthetic drugs refer to synthesised substances that are artificially modified to mimic the effects of existing drugs.

Common synthetic drugs traded in South Africa include methamphetamine, or tik; methcathinone, known as CAT; Mandrax; and Nyaope, a cocktail of low-grade heroin mixed with cannabis.

Heroin, which is a semi-synthetic substance, is identified as a key component of South Africa’s drug trade by the report, with several ports serving as a transit point and destination hub.

The drug, originating from Afghanistan, is said to enter Mozambique and Tanzania, with Durban and Cape Town serving as major transportation hubs.

The heroin is then distributed through violent street-level networks, with the rise in gang violence being associated with the increase in distribution.

“The crisis, which disproportionately affects the most disadvantaged communities, affects a significant share of the adult population, making South Africa’s heroin market one of the largest on the continent,” the report says.

It goes on to say that the synthetic drug market has grown significantly, with Tik coming to dominate it.

The local production of this drug is concentrated in the Western Cape, using smuggled precursors such as ephedrine and pseudoephedrine.

However, this is often supplemented by “high-purity meth” smuggled into the country from Southeast Asia and West Africa.

“The involvement of transnational actors, including those from West Africa and Australia, underscores the globalised nature of a market in which South Africa is a central player,” the report argues.

Fentanyl, which is a highly potent opioid, has now entered South Africa’s drug trafficking network.

Over R2.4 billion seized in 15 months

In November 2024, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, or the Hawks, uncovered a drug laboratory in Rietfontein, Gauteng, arresting a 39-year-old Mexican national in the process.

The intelligence-based operation saw the seizure of various chemicals, drug manufacturing equipment, cash, and crystal meth, all valued at approximately R80 million.

Among the equipment found was a hydraulic pill press, vacuum distillation ovens for refining purity levels, and digital scales.

The suspect was reported to have entered the country on a temporary business visa, posing as an agribusiness consultant.

Further investigations revealed encrypted communications on his devices with international handlers.

A few months earlier, in July, two Mexican nationals and two South Africans were arrested following a raid on a drug manufacturing facility in Groblersdal, Limpopo.

Acting on intelligence about suspicious activities taking place on a farm, authorities raided the property. They found roughly one tonne of crystal meth, with a street value of R2 billion, as well as chemicals such as acetone.

This made it one of South Africa’s most significant drug busts to date.

The South African Revenue Service has also successfully intercepted over R100 million from ships trafficking cocaine and other illicit substances through Durban Harbour.

A collaborative effort between the SARS Durban Customs office, the Hawks, and SAPS resulted in the interception of a vessel in October.

Upon inspection, the ship was found to be carrying cocaine with an estimated street value of R65 million.

SARS had similar success a month earlier, intercepting a ship carrying 25 bricks of cocaine, valued at roughly R56 million.