KEY POINTS
- A 46-year-old woman was arrested in Khayelitsha with R1 million worth of mandrax tablets after a tip-led police raid.
- The bust underscores the Western Cape’s struggle with drug trafficking, with authorities praising community cooperation in the fight against narcotics.
- The arrest follows recent nationwide crackdowns, including a Hawks operation dismantling a drug lab in Mpumalanga.
A 46-year-old woman has been arrested in Khayelitsha after police uncovered a significant drug haul – mandrax – worth an estimated R1 million during a targeted operation.
IOL reports that the suspect was found in possession of thousands of mandrax tablets, a highly addictive and illegal substance plaguing communities across South Africa.
According to police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk, officers were conducting routine stop-and-search operations when they received a tip-off about a property in T-Block, Sector 6, Site B, allegedly being used to store illicit substances. “Upon arrival, members found a woman carrying a large green bag containing 10 packets of mandrax, each holding 1,000 tablets, along with four smaller packets with an additional 100 tablets,” Van Wyk explained.
The seizure highlights the ongoing battle against drug-related crime in the Western Cape, where mandrax remains a major concern due to its devastating social impact.
Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile commended community members for their vigilance, stating that public cooperation is crucial in dismantling drug networks.
Mandrax: Rising drug menace in Cape Town
The arrest comes amid a broader police effort to combat narcotics trafficking, following recent high-profile busts across the country. Just days earlier, the Hawks arrested six Mozambican nationals in Standerton, Mpumalanga, after uncovering a clandestine drug lab. Experts warn that South Africa remains a key transit and distribution hub for international drug syndicates.
Mandrax, a synthetic depressant often mixed with cannabis to form “buttons,” is particularly prevalent in impoverished areas, fueling addiction and gang violence. “The street value of this seizure is substantial, but the real cost is the damage it inflicts on families and communities,” said anti-drug activist Nomsa Dlamini.
The suspect is expected to appear in the Khayelitsha Magistrate’s Court on Monday, facing charges of drug possession. If convicted, she could face up to 15 years in prison under South Africa’s stringent drug laws. Meanwhile, police have urged residents to continue reporting suspicious activities, emphasizing that community involvement is vital in curbing the narcotics trade.
