A major drug seizure on the N2 highway outside Grabouw has led to the arrest of a 60-year-old man after law enforcement uncovered more than R2,1 m worth of Mandrax tablets hidden in a concealed compartment in his vehicle. In fact, this high-profile operation is being described as one of the most significant drug busts in the area to date.
The incident took place on Wednesday, 9 July, when a multi-disciplinary team comprising the Hawks’ South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau (SANEB), Provincial Traffic officials based in Caledon and the Cape Town K9 unit set up a Vehicle Check Point on the N2 as part of an intelligence-driven operation. Notably, during this drug bust, cooperation among the agencies was crucial.
A silver Audi was stopped at the checkpoint. A trained narcotics detection dog from the Cape Town K9 unit immediately reacted to the vehicle, alerting officers to a hidden compartment. A thorough search of the vehicle confirmed the dog’s suspicion – a significant quantity of mandrax tablets, with an estimated street value of R2,1 m, was discovered concealed within the vehicle as part of this extensive drug bust.
The 60-year-old male driver was arrested on the scene and is expected to appear before the Grabouw Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 13 July.
The operation highlights the effectiveness of intelligence-led, multi-agency collaboration in tackling drug trafficking along major routes through the Overberg. The N2 corridor, which links Cape Town to the Garden Route, has long been identified as a key route used by drug traffickers moving narcotics in and out of the Western Cape. Clearly, this corridor has witnessed several large-scale drug bust operations over the years.
Mandrax – also known as “buttons” or “whites” on the street – remains one of the most widely trafficked and abused substances in the Western Cape, often smoked in combination with cannabis in what is commonly referred to as a “white pipe.” The prevalence of this substance frequently leads to a drug bust wherever law enforcement intercepts shipments.
The Hawks confirmed that investigations into the matter are continuing. As the investigation unfolds, authorities are hopeful this drug bust will lead to further arrests.
