Three foreigners have been arrested and a significant quantity of suspected crystal meth and Mandrax were seized during an intelligence-led anti-drug operation in Parys last weekend.
The arrests were made by members of the Welcome Anti-Gang Unit (Section C2) of the South African Police Service following information that suspects living at a property in Kort Street were being arrested. suspected to be involved in drug trafficking.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli said officers were deployed to Parys on Friday, July 24, 2026, on crime-fighting duties when they noticed suspicious activity at the home.
“After an on-site intelligence collection, information revealed that foreigners living in the property were actively involved in drug trafficking,” Kareli said.
Police subsequently obtained a search warrant from the Parys Magistrate’s Court and raided the property on Saturday.
During the operation, officers reportedly arrested a 48-year-old suspect in the act of a drug transaction.
“Upon arrival, operators caught a 48-year-old man red-handed during a drug transaction. He was immediately restrained and both drugs and cash were found in his possession,” Kareli said.
A search led to the arrest of a second suspect, aged 46, and the seizure of further illegal substances.
“Further searches of the home resulted in the discovery of further illegal substances, a significant amount of Crystal Meth and Mandrax were seized,” Kareli said.
Follow-up investigations took police to a second property in the Mandela section of Parys, where a 31-year-old foreigner was arrested after officers allegedly found him in possession of more Crystal Meth and Mandrax.
The three suspects, aged 31, 46 and 48, remain in police custody and are expected to appear before the Parys Magistrate’s Court on drug trafficking charges.
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Wendy Dondolo
iol.co.za