CRIME SCENE: Beaufort West, Western Cape: There was no escape for a middle-aged man on the N1 highway when the police pounced and recovered drugs worth more than R5 million.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) responded swiftly to information about a consignment of drugs being transported on the N1 in Beaufort West.

On Thursday, 10 September 2026, at about 22:40, members attached to the Western Cape Organised Crime Investigations unit, Crime Intelligence and Beaufort West Police conducted an intelligence-driven operation when they intercepted a vehicle on the N1 highway. 

According to SAPS the members brought the vehicle to a halt and proceeded with a search, when they found a large quantity of Mandrax tablets and cocaine.

“Police confiscated 57 000 Mandrax tablets, as well as 5 kilograms of cocaine, and arrested the driver of the vehicle on a charge of dealing in drugs. The estimated street value of the drugs is R5,85 million.

“The 46-year-old suspect remains in police custody and is expected to make his first court appearance in the Beaufort West Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 14 September 2026,” said SAPS.

Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sizakhele Dyantyi, lauded the efforts of the members to curb the influx of illicit drugs into vulnerable communities in the province.