Experts warn fragmented enforcement and intelligence gaps are enabling organised crime and possible local drug production, with OR Tambo recording major seizures in 2026.
Operation Shanela (7–13 Sept) led to major drug seizures and 18,488 arrests. Key hauls included an Erasmia Mandrax lab (R110m) and large Mandrax and cocaine busts.
Gauteng Education investigates a suspected new drug called 'oil spice' after residue found near Sedibeng schools; SAPS has taken samples for testing.
Two foreign nationals were arrested after police discovered a clandestine, multimillion-rand mandrax laboratory in Erasmia. The lab allegedly produced 800,000 tablets a day.
Search-and-seizure operations at six Gauteng schools recovered 123 prohibited items, including 43 disposable vapes and 30 oil spice samples, the education MEC said.
A Johannesburg mother and three others received fully suspended sentences after a 4-year-old was filmed smoking a Mandrax-laced pipe; the child was placed in a secure...
Police-led searches at 17 Gauteng schools uncovered nyaope, abortion pills and large quantities of dagga as department steps up safety operations.
Three suspects arrested during Operation Diamond in the Free State face drug-dealing charges after allegedly selling crystal meth and mandrax to undercover officers.
Five suspects will appear in Musina Magistrate’s Court after a R600 million suspected crystal meth seizure in a clandestine lab on a Musina farm during a...
A 36-year-old woman was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport after 232 stones of suspected crack cocaine were found concealed inside a hairdresser’s doll head.