A 31-year-old man was arrested in Bethal on Wednesday, 21 October 2026, after the Hawks allegedly found crystal methamphetamine valued at approximately R20,000 in his possession.
According to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), the operation was carried out by the Secunda Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit, supported by the Secunda K9 Unit and Crime Intelligence.
Acting on information about suspected drug distribution in Bethal, officers intercepted a white Volkswagen Polo allegedly driven by the suspect.
A search resulted in the seizure of approximately 55 grams of crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as tik, with an estimated street value of R20,000.
Police also confiscated a weighing scale, three cellphones and the Volkswagen Polo, bringing the total estimated value of the seized items to R75,500.
Suspect Previously Arrested
The Hawks confirmed that the suspect, a Nigerian national, was previously arrested in June 2021 during Operation Dream On, an investigation into an alleged drug-trafficking network operating in Bethal.
He is currently awaiting trial in the Bethal Regional Court on a separate drug-dealing charge.
The suspect is expected to appear in the Bethal Magistrate's Court on Thursday, 22 October 2026, in connection with the latest arrest.
Acting Provincial Hawks Head Brigadier Bruce Davenport reaffirmed the unit's commitment to combating drug trafficking and encouraged communities to report suspected drug-related activities.
"Community cooperation is essential in combating organised crime," Davenport said.