A SUSPECT (26) has been arrested by the East London-based South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau (SANEB) of the Hawks after being caught in possession of allegedly 6,000 ecstasy tablets with an estimated street value of R720,000.
An intelligence-driven operation was launched after a tip-off was received on Friday, 28th February 2025, alerting authorities to a suspect allegedly transporting drugs from Durban to Cape Town via a long-distance bus.
According to Hawks spokesperson, Lt. Col. Avele Fumba, “the Hawks swiftly mobilised and monitored the suspect’s movements as the bus made its way to East London.”
Reports indicate that at about 10:00 on 1st March 2025, the bus arrived at the Windmill depot in East London, where passengers disembarked for a short break.
The Hawks operatives maintained surveillance, waiting for the suspect to reboard before making their move. Upon searching the suspect’s bag, the police discovered a suspicious brown package, which was later confirmed to allegedly contain thousands of ecstasy tablets.
The suspect was arrested and was set to appear in the East London Magistrates’ Court on 3rd March 2025, facing charges related to drug trafficking.
The Provincial Head of the Hawks praised the team for their vigilance and commitment to dismantling drug syndicates and ensuring that drug traffickers face the full might of the law.
