MEC hails police for Aliwal North R50 million drug bust

Eastern Cape Safety MEC Xolile Nqatha has applauded police for arresting a 35-year-old man driving a truck with drugs worth R50 million in Aliwal North yesterday.

The suspect was arrested during an interprovincial Crime-Combat Operation involving police from four provinces.

Upon searching the suspect, who is also the owner of the truck, 12 bags of crystal meth were discovered.

Nqatha’s spokesperson Makhaya Komisa says the arrest serves as a warning to criminals.

Komisa says, “The arrest of the 35-year-old man serves as proof that our crime-fighting strategies are beginning to produce positive results. We commend the Aliwal North police for apprehending this suspect. In our province, we have reached a point where criminals must understand that if they commit a crime, they will be arrested and police will defend themselves if attacked by criminals.”

#sapsFS [JOINT MEDIA STATEMENT] #DrugsOffTheStreets ~ A major breakthrough in the fight against drug trafficking was achieved during the ongoing Interprovincial Crime-Combat Operation. In a coordinated effort involving police from the Free State, #sapsWC, #sapsEC and #sapsNC,… pic.twitter.com/scQcVQBGoc

— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) March 25, 2025