Police operations on Friday 9 January, resulted in several arrests and the seizure of drugs worth millions of rands across Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, and the Western Cape.
The most significant operation took place in Nelspruit, where a multidisciplinary team comprising the White River K9 Unit, Tactical Response Team, and Provincial Head Office Organised Crime Investigation Narcotics Unit arrested a 50-year-old Nigerian national.
Acting on intelligence about suspected drug dealing and manufacturing activities, police executed a search warrant in the early hours at flats in Stonehenge, Nelspruit. A K9 member detected a hidden compartment inside a wardrobe containing:
- 1.8 kg crystal methamphetamine
- 900 g cocaine
- 58 large rocks of crack cocaine
- 1 disco biscuit of crack cocaine
- 1 full moon crack cocaine
- 229 g freshly manufactured crack cocaine
- 250 g heroin
- R44 800 in cash
The total estimated value of the drugs seized was R1.2 million. The suspect faces charges of dealing in drugs, manufacturing drugs, identity fraud, and contravention of the Immigration Act.
R16.4 million mandrax seizure
Swift cooperation between Free State and Northern Cape police led to a major drug bust on the N9 highway near Colesberg.
At approximately 14:55, a multidisciplinary team intercepted a gold Toyota Fortuner approximately 10 kilometres outside Colesberg.
The vehicle search resulted in the seizure of mandrax tablets with an estimated street value of R16.4 million.
Two male suspects, aged 46 and 59, were arrested on charges of dealing in drugs. Police also confiscated a firearm, ammunition, and the vehicle.
R2.9 million dagga plantation discovered
During Operation Safer Festive Season, police discovered a field of mature marijuana plants near the Mhlambanyatsi River at Buffelspruit farms outside Malelane in Nkomazi.
The discovery, made around 16:30, revealed dagga plants with an estimated street value of R2.9 million.
The plants were uprooted and disposed of during the operation led by acting provincial commissioner Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi. Police have opened an investigation to locate those responsible for the large-scale cultivation.
Additional arrests across provinces
In Laingsburg, Western Cape, police arrested a 20-year-old man during a routine vehicle checkpoint at Voortrekker Road.
Officers noticed a parcel being thrown from a minibus taxi window, which contained tik and 1 016 mandrax tablets worth approximately R50 000.
Multiple arrests also occurred in the Gert Sibande District, Mpumalanga, where three Nigerian nationals were arrested in Volksrust with various drugs including nyaope, crystal methamphetamine, and CAT, with a combined estimated value of R13 500.
A separate operation in Ermelo resulted in the arrest of a 22-year-old South African national found with nyaope and rock worth approximately R10 000. The suspect appeared before the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court and was released with a warning.
Official response
Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi commended the collaboration between all units involved and warned that those engaged in serious and organised crime will face the full might of the law.
“We are committed to eradicating illegal drug activities in our province and ensuring the safety of our community,” Mkhwanazi said. “We will work around the clock to fight drug-related crime, as it remains a serious problem in our society.”
Pixley ka Seme District commissioner Major General Nomana Mtukushe praised the swift response in removing dangerous drugs from the streets, assuring the community that the police will continue enforcing a zero-tolerance approach towards drug trafficking, particularly along national routes.
The arrested suspects are expected to appear before various magistrate’s courts on the charges.
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