CRIME SCENE: Garden Route, Southern Cape: Drug enforcement took centre stage here this week when the South African Police Service (SAPS) arrested four people during crime combatting operations.

Knysna: On Monday, 20 July 2026, at about 04:00, Knysna police responded to a tip-off in Bongani, Knysna.

When they arrived at the premises, the police noticed a man swallowing an unknown substance.

“They searched the premises and discovered 390 Mandrax tablets, seven bankies of cocaine, five packets of Tik and cash.

“A 35-year-old man was arrested on charges of dealing in drugs, possession of drugs and defeating the ends of justice. He was rushed to a nearby hospital for medical examination and for the drugs he had swallowed to be removed. The man was hospitalised under police guard until Wednesday, 22 July 2026,” said SAPS.

Oudtshoorn: On Tuesday, 21 July 2026, the Oudtshoorn Crime Prevention Unit, Western Cape Tactical Response Team and Crime Intelligence raided a premises in 1st Avenue, Bridgeton. While at the premises the police noticed a man approaching the bathroom, where he attempted to flush drugs down the toilet.

“The vigilant members intervened and confiscated 51 Mandrax tablets, two half Mandrax tablets and 24 bankies of tik. A 50-year-old man was arrested on a charge of dealing in drugs

“Later the same day, 21 July 2026, they pounced on a house in 1st Avenue, Thabo Mbeki Square, Bongolethu. A search of the premises resulted in the confiscation of 60 Mandrax tablets and eight half Mandrax tablets. The police also found seven 9mm rounds concealed in the ceiling. A 41-year-old woman and 45-year-old man were arrested.