NATIONAL: In a massive cross border operation between provinces, the South African Police Service (SAPS) have seized counterfeit goods of over R15 million and a number of illegal gambling machines.

This large-scale, four-day inter-provincial operation has, according to SAPS, delivered a significant blow to transnational criminal syndicates, resulting in the arrest of 275 suspects.

The high-intensity, zero-tolerance operation was conducted from 1 to 4 September 2026 along the strategic border corridors of the Eastern, Western and Northern Cape and Free State provinces. 

“The crackdown specifically targeted cross-border networks engaged in drug trafficking, stock theft, illegal arms smuggling and the facilitation of undocumented migration,” said SAPS.

The multi-disciplinary initiative brought together specialised SAPS units, including the Airwing, K9 and Tactical Response Teams (TRT), alongside key external partners such as the Border Management Authority (BMA), the South African National Defence Force, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and the Department of Home Affairs.

In one instance, on 2 September 2026, a K9 Unit member acting on intelligence flagged a suspicious courier parcel destined from Gauteng to the Western Cape. The following day, the member and his narcotics-detection dog, Nolan, conducted a joint inspection with the DPCI at a courier depot. 

“Nolan’s positive indication led to the discovery of 4,000 Mandrax tablets concealed inside the package. A 43-year-old Nigerian national was immediately taken into custody in Mossel Bay, Western Cape.,” said SAPS. 

Out of the 275 suspects apprehended, 55 were individuals held for offences related to unlicensed firearms, drug dealing or possession of suspected stolen property; and 76 undocumented foreign nationals were detained for processing.

Counterfeit goods with an estimated street value exceeding R15 million, 6 firearms along with ammunition and 28 illegal gambling machines were confiscated.

Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata, commended the integrated command structure and seamless inter-agency cooperation.