Dagga and mandrax intercepted during routine inspection at East London correctional facility

Officials at the East London Management Area in the Eastern Cape intercepted a stash of prohibited drugs during a routine pre-work inspection, the Department of Correctional Services said.

What happened

The department said that officials assigned to the agriculture section conducted a thorough inspection of the work area prior to authorising daily activities. During that search, they discovered prohibited items concealed outside a toilet facility within the agriculture section.

The contraband comprised 24 arms of dagga and 37 mandrax tablets. The items were confiscated before they could be smuggled into the correctional facility.

Department response and wider efforts

The department described the interception as evidence of the value of strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures and officials’ vigilance in safeguarding correctional centres against illicit substances and other prohibited items.

“During the search, officials discovered a cache of prohibited items concealed outside a toilet facility within the agriculture section,” the department said.

“The contraband comprised 24 arms of dagga and 37 mandrax tablets. The items were confiscated before they could be smuggled into the correctional facility.”

It said it continues to strengthen security measures across its facilities and remains committed to maintaining safe, secure and well-managed correctional facilities that support rehabilitation and contribute to safer communities.

Context from the Department of Correctional Services

The article noted comments from Department of Correctional Services Minister Dr Pieter Groenewald about stepped-up enforcement: the department had conducted 466 raids and then expanded efforts to 1,406 raids, a figure described as a 200% increase. Those actions reportedly resulted in the confiscation of more than 37,500 cellphones and other contraband.

During the December–January holiday period, searches across correctional facilities nationwide reportedly led to the confiscation of over 8,000 cellphones, R102,700 in cash and numerous other illegal items, the department said.