Three foreign nationals have been arrested, and a substantial quantity of suspected crystal meth and Mandrax was seized during an intelligence-driven anti-drug operation in Parys over the weekend.
The arrests were made by members of the South African Police Service’s Welkom Anti-Gang Unit (Section C2) following information that suspects living at a property in Kort Street were allegedly involved in drug trafficking.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli said officers were deployed to Parys on Friday, 24 July 2026, for crime-combating duties when they noticed suspicious activity at the residence.
“Following an on-site intelligence gathering, information revealed that foreign nationals residing at the premises were actively involved in drug peddling,” Kareli said.
Police subsequently obtained a search warrant from the Parys Magistrate’s Court and carried out a raid on the property on Saturday.
During the operation, officers allegedly caught a 48-year-old suspect in the act of a drug transaction.
“Upon arrival, operators caught a 48-year-old male red-handed in the middle of a drug transaction. He was immediately restrained, and drugs alongside cash were found in his possession,” Kareli said.
A search of the residence led to the arrest of a second suspect, aged 46, and the seizure of more illicit substances.
“Further searches of the house resulted in the recovery of additional illicit substances, a substantial quantity 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 foreign national was arrested after officers allegedly found him in possession of additional Crystal Meth and Mandrax.
The three suspects, aged 31, 46 and 48, remain in police custody and are expected to appear in the Parys Magistrate’s Court on charges of dealing in drugs.
IOL News
Get your news on the go. Download the latest IOL App for Android and IOS now.
