Members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) arrested two foreign nationals and seized drugs with an estimated combined street value of nearly R1.3 million during anti-smuggling operations on Sunday, 1 March 2026.
In the Kleinvlei policing precinct, officers operating as part of #OperationShanela2 acted on intelligence regarding drugs stored at a premises in Jason Pedro Street, Belladonna Estate. A search of the address led to the discovery of 25,000 mandrax tablets, with an estimated street value of R1.25 million, concealed inside the house.
Police arrested a 33-year-old Nigerian national on charges of dealing in drugs. He is scheduled to appear in the Blue Downs Magistrate’s Court once charged.
In a separate incident in Lutzville, members followed up on information regarding drugs being transported. The suspect vehicle was spotted in Koekenaap. When the driver noticed the police vehicle approaching, he allegedly removed a bag from the vehicle and fled on foot. He was apprehended shortly thereafter.
Police confiscated 900 mandrax tablets, 13 grams of mandrax powder, and two grams of crystal meth during the arrest. The seized narcotics have an estimated street value of R46,130. A 47-year-old Congolese national was arrested and is in police custody.