CRIME SCENE: Nieuwoudtville, Northern Cape: A suspected drug trafficker has been arrested after he was allegedly caught with a shipment of Mandrax tablets.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) said a Nieuwoudtville police officer conducting routine patrols on Wednesday, 5 August 2026, at about 18:35, identified a suspicious white motor vehicle and proceeded to stop and search it.

The police discovered a black bag containing suspected mandrax tablets with an estimated street value of approximately R8 000.

A 38-year-old male occupant admitted ownership of the drugs and was immediately arrested on a charge of dealing in drugs. He is expected to appear in the Calvinia Magistrate’s Court soon.

The poloice in the Namakwa District said it remained resolute in its commitment to combating the scourge of drug trafficking and abuse through the ongoing execution of Operation Shanela 2.

The District Commissioner of Namakwa, Brigadier Schalk Andrews, commended the member for remaining vigilant and proactive in the fight against drug-related crime. 

“We will continue to target drug dealers and criminal networks through intelligence-driven operations aimed at removing illicit drugs from communities,” said Andrews.