CRIME SCENE: Beitbridge Border Post: The South African Border Management Authority (BMA) made a huge drug bust worth nearly R1 billion at the Beitbridge Port of Entry on Wednesday, 28 May 2026.

BMA Commissioner, Dr Michael Masiapato, commended border guards and law enforcement agencies following the successful interception of the massive drug consignment with an estimated street value of R998,2 million.

The bust was made when border guards intercepted a truck travelling from Malawi into South Africa during a stop and search operation.

The truck was subjected to a non-intrusive inspection through the cargo scanner, during which suspicious substances were detected, according to the BMA.

This prompted officials to conduct an extensive physical search of the truck, which lasted approximately eight hours. During the operation, officials discovered a substance identified as Methaqualone (ABBA), commonly used in the manufacturing of Mandrax.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) K-9 Unit, together with the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) also known as the Hawks, were immediately activated to assist with processing the crime scene and further investigations.

Authorities confirmed that the truck was loaded with approximately 713 000 grams of the substance.

Three suspects were arrested and are expected to appear in court on charges relating to drug trafficking and contravention of South African laws.

Commissioner Masiapato stated that the interception demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-led border security operations and the importance of integrated collaboration among law enforcement agencies.