Members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) Flying Squad have seized mandrax and cocaine worth an estimated R4.5 million during an intelligence-driven operation in Cape Town.

While conducting crime prevention patrols in the gang-affected areas of Belhar and Ravensmead on Saturday 23 November, officers responded to intelligence and spotted a suspicious vehicle traveling along Robert Sobukwe Road. After a brief chase, they successfully stopped the vehicle. Upon searching it, the officers discovered two bubble-wrapped bags and a sealed box, which the driver could not explain.

The driver and vehicle were then escorted to Ravensmead SAPS, where a more detailed search uncovered 38 plastic bags, each containing 1 000 mandrax tablets, along with 30 bags of uncut cocaine. The total estimated value of the drugs was R4.5 million.

The 44-year-old suspect was apprehended and charged with drug dealing and remains in custody as the investigation continues.

“This successful operation serves as a testament to the ongoing progress in the fight against the illegal drug trade in the Western Cape, particularly in gang-infested areas, as part of efforts to safeguard our communities,” the SAPS said in a statement.