Three foreign nationals arrested in Parys drug bust as police seize crystal meth and Mandrax

Three foreign nationals were arrested in Parys, Free State, after an intelligence-driven anti-drug operation that led to the seizure of a substantial quantity of suspected crystal meth, Mandrax and cash. The arrests followed police activity at a Kort Street property and a follow-up search at a second address in the Mandela Section of Parys.

How the operation unfolded

Members of the South African Police Service’s Welkom Anti-Gang Unit (Section C2) were deployed to Parys on Friday, 24 July 2026, for crime-combating duties, and observed suspicious activity at a residence on Kort Street. An on-site intelligence gathering reportedly indicated that foreign nationals living at the property were involved in drug peddling.

Raids, arrests and seizures

Police obtained a search warrant from the Parys Magistrate’s Court and carried out a raid on the property on Saturday. During the operation, officers allegedly caught a 48-year-old male “red-handed in the middle of a drug transaction,” restrained him and found drugs and cash in his possession, according to police spokesperson Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli.

“Following an on-site intelligence gathering, information revealed that foreign nationals residing at the premises were actively involved in drug peddling,” Kareli said.

A subsequent search of the residence led to the arrest of a second suspect, aged 46, and the seizure of additional illicit substances. Further searches recovered what police described as a substantial quantity of crystal meth and Mandrax.

Follow-up investigations took officers to a second property in the Mandela Section of Parys, where a 31-year-old foreign national was arrested after being found in possession of additional crystal meth and Mandrax.

Current status and charges

The three suspects, aged 31, 46 and 48, remain in police custody and are expected to appear in the Parys Magistrate’s Court on charges of dealing in drugs.

Police statement

“Upon arrival, operators caught a 48-year-old male red-handed in the middle of a drug transaction. He was immediately restrained, and drugs alongside cash were found in his possession,” Kareli said.