Persistent and Widespread Problem
The figures reveal a persistent challenge in preventing the smuggling of contraband into prisons. Confiscations were reported in facilities across all provinces, including maximum-security, medium, remand, and youth centres. In many cases, multiple drug types were recovered in the same facility, suggesting both high consumption rates among inmates and the presence of organised supply networks.

In the 2022–23 financial year, East London Maximum in the Eastern Cape recorded the single largest dagga seizure at 33,887 kg, followed by Durban Maximum in KwaZulu-Natal with 11,269 kg and Kgosi Mampuru II Central in Gauteng with 12,429.49 kg. Large seizures of methamphetamine, mandrax tablets, nyaope, whoonga capsules, cocaine and ecstasy tablets were also reported across the country.

Shifts in Drug Trends
In 2023–24, dagga seizures remained dominant. East London Maximum recorded 16,663 kg, while Kirkwood in the Eastern Cape reported 12,419 kg. Durban Maximum recorded 16,112 kg. Notably, high-volume seizures of crystal meth, cocaine, and ecstasy tablets became more frequent, alongside continued interceptions of whoonga and nyaope. Barberton Maximum in Mpumalanga reported 1,645 kg of dagga.

Preliminary 2024–25 data shows similar patterns. East London Maximum recorded 20,805 kg of dagga, Klerksdorp in the North West reported 6,679.6 kg, and Kirkwood registered 9,927 kg. Goodwood in the Western Cape seized 12,571 kg, and Durban Maximum reported 4,928 kg. Dagga continues to dominate seizures, but ecstasy, cocaine, and methamphetamine appear in higher quantities than in earlier years.

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