Image: A range of illicit drugs seized by SAPS during an intelligence-driven operation in Ermelo.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga intensified its crackdown on drug-related crime, resulting in the arrest of five suspects during intelligence-driven operations conducted in Ermelo and Mahamba on Thursday, 20 February 2026.
In Ermelo, police acted on information from Crime Intelligence and launched a coordinated operation under the network code name Behind the Suspect. The operation was carried out with the support of the Ermelo District, Ermelo Highway Patrol, Ermelo Task Team, Ermelo K9 Unit and Standerton K9 Unit, leading to the arrest of four male suspects aged between 34 and 43. A range of drugs was seized, including rock cocaine, nyaope, mandrax tablets, crystal methamphetamine and dagga, with an estimated street value of R9,000. The suspects appeared in the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 23 February 2026.
In a separate intelligence-driven operation conducted later the same day, police at Mahamba intercepted a truck travelling along the N2 Road from Pongola towards Piet Retief. A 41-year-old male, a citizen of Eswatini residing in Nhlangano, was arrested after approximately three kilograms of dagga were found concealed in a blue bag. He was charged with dealing in dagga and appeared before the relevant Magistrate’s Court.
Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi reiterated that SAPS remained committed to dismantling drug trafficking networks and encouraged members of the public to continue reporting criminal activities through established channels