Botswana authorities have started the extradition process for six Mexican nationals to Mozambique, where they face drug trafficking charges. The men appeared before the Extension II Magistrate Court in Gaborone on 19 December 2025 and pleaded guilty to entering Botswana through an ungazetted point of entry. Their arrest occurred on 25 November 2025, following investigations that revealed they had been in the country since 16 November 2025.

Prosecutor Keletso Kgati confirmed the extradition efforts, stating communications with Mozambican officials are underway. The court remanded the suspects in prison, with a next appearance scheduled for 17 December 2025. A Nigerian national, Uchema Charles Njoku, aged 53, faces charges of aiding and abetting their illegal entry but received bail as a Botswana resident married to a local woman.

These developments follow a pattern of Mexican nationals' involvement in drug operations across southern Africa. In South Africa, similar arrests have exposed large-scale methamphetamine labs linked to cartels. For instance, in July 2024, three Mexicans were detained after a R2 billion crystal meth lab was uncovered near Groblersdal in Limpopo. Another bust in November 2024 involved a 39-year-old Mexican operating a R100 million lab in Pretoria.

Security experts, including retired Interpol Ambassador Andy Mashaile, noted in discussions with SABC News that cartels like Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation have shifted to local production in South Africa. Julian Rademeyer from the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime warned that this "franchising" involves training locals and using remote sites, potentially escalating violence in regions like the Western Cape and Gauteng. The Botswana arrests may indicate an expanding cartel footprint, heightening risks for neighbouring countries.

The defence for the Mexican nationals did not object to the guilty plea during the 19 December 2025 hearing, according to court proceedings. Defence attorney Mawite requested a plea reservation for Njoku due to missing witness statements, which Magistrate Mmesi granted.