The South African Police Service (SAPS) said that on Tuesday evening (28 October 2025), a multidisciplinary team led by Crime Intelligence Head Office inclusive of Gauteng Organised crime unit, SAPS JHB K9 and members of the Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC) were following up on information of drugs that were being stored at a plot in Blue Hills, Midrand.

According to further investigation, the drugs were brought into South Africa from a neighbouring country and were destined for Cape Town, Western Cape.

The cocaine was found hidden in a storage room on the identified plot.

A 56-year-old man who is believed to be the owner of the plot has been arrested and the cocaine weighing about 80 kg has been seized.

The suspect is expected to appear before the Midrand Magistrate’s Court later on this week, on a possible charge of possession of drugs as well as dealing in drugs.

The huge cocaine seizure comes two weeks after a massive R65 million drug bust off Durban Harbour on 12 October. In that incident, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) led an intelligence-driven raid on a vessel, seizing thirty bricks of narcotics from its refrigeration unit.

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The South African Revenue Service (SARS) said its Durban Customs office conducted a collaborative intelligence operation in the early morning of 12 October, leading to the seizure from a refrigeration unit of the vessel.

A Customs marine unit patrol vessel was used to intercept a vessel near the Fairway Bouy at Outer Anchorage about 4 nautical miles of the East Coast of Durban. The Enforcement Team intercepted the vessel as it was entering the port and escorted the vessel to its berth. The Enforcement Team Boarded the vessel, interviewed the Master, and examined documentation to identify the location of a profiled container.

The container was located and resulted in one positive detection of bricks of suspected narcotics, SARS said in a statement.

The drugs were handed over to the South African Police Service’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) for further investigation, prosecution and destruction.

SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter expressed his gratitude to the SARS Customs and other law enforcement agencies for their work. Customs demonstrated its gallantry by working so hard and in the dead of night, he said. “This speaks to an unwavering commitment by SARS to protect our borders and keep at bay all criminals that are bent on shipping harmful substance that cause unmitigated suffering for our inhabitants.”

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“The total estimated street value of the 800 kilograms of drugs being destroyed today exceeds R340 million,” said Masemola. “This marks our second visit to this plant in the last 12 months. A year ago, we destroyed R550 million worth of drugs at this very site.”

Masemola noted over the previous three years, SAPS has destroyed various types of narcotics worth R5.2 billion. “This includes drugs confiscated nationally during the 2022/2023 financial year, amounting to approximately 20.8 tons,” said the Commissioner. “In 2023/2024, we destroyed approximately 14.5 tons, and so far in 2024/2025, we have already destroyed 15.2 tons, excluding today’s destruction.”

Masemola underscored the recent victories against drug syndicates, stating “just this past week, police have recorded significant successes, including the discovery of an arms cache in Cape Town. Our anti-gang unit and crime intelligence officers seized 26 illegal firearms, including AK-47 automatic rifles and Uzis, as well as 50,000 Mandrax tablets. Two suspects have already appeared in court.”

In Gauteng, SAPS uncovered a drug manufacturing laboratory in Westonaria, valued at R10 million, resulting in two arrests. “Three drug traffickers were also arrested at OR Tambo International Airport in the past two weeks, with a combined R7.5 million worth of cocaine seized. In the last six months alone, over 20 traffickers have been arrested at this key transit hub.”

Masemola further noted a recent operation which uncovered R6 million worth of cocaine, disguised as hair products, at OR Tambo International Airport. “The shipment was en route from Brazil to France, using South Africa as a transit point. Our officers remain vigilant in disrupting these networks,” said Masemola.

The drug destruction process is conducted under strict regulatory oversight. “All drug exhibit materials approved for destruction undergo a thorough audit. The forensic chemistry section ensures that each exhibit is verified and complies with all prescribed standards before incineration,” Masemola explained.

The event also marked the destruction of drugs linked to significant cases, including the Swartkops case. “This case involved the seizure of 513 kilograms of pure cocaine, with an estimated street value of R220 million. Several suspects were arrested in Brazil in connection with this operation, highlighting SAPS’ role in global anti-drug initiatives.”

Masemola concluded by reaffirming SAPS’ dedication to eradicating the drug trade. “The safety and well-being of our communities remain our top priority. Through continued collaboration with international and local law enforcement agencies, we will ensure that drug trafficking networks are dismantled, and offenders brought to justice.”

The Commissioner extended his gratitude to all officers and community members who contribute to the fight against drugs, reinforcing that law enforcement remains relentless in its mission to create safer communities.

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