A 31-year-old foreign national has been arrested for alleged dealing in drugs following an intelligence-driven operation conducted by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly known as the Hawks, in Evander, Mpumalanga.
The arrest was made on Friday, 7 August 2026, after law enforcement officials acted on information regarding alleged drug dealing activities at a house in Cordoba Street, Evander.
The operation was carried out by members of the Hawks’ Secunda Serious Organised Crime Investigation (SOCI), with assistance from the Secunda K9 Unit, the Serious Investigations and Pursuit and Recovery Unit (SIPRU), and Secunda Crime Intelligence.
According to the Hawks, information about the suspected drug dealing activities was received on 6 August 2026. Investigators subsequently operationalised the information and proceeded to the identified property at approximately 6:00 a.m. the following morning.
Upon arrival, officers found the suspect inside the house and conducted a search of the premises.
During the search, investigators reportedly discovered a black plastic bag containing suspected illicit drugs. The bag allegedly contained three packets of crystal methamphetamine with a combined weight of approximately 31 grams, as well as two packets of heroin weighing approximately 46 grams.
The suspected drugs have an estimated street value of R14,650.
In addition to the drugs, law enforcement officials seized R1,850 in cash and three cellphones during the operation. The total value of the exhibits seized is estimated at approximately R20,000.
The suspect was arrested and detained at Evander Police Station. He is expected to appear before the Evander Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 11 August 2026, where he will face a charge of dealing in drugs.
The arrest forms part of ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies in Mpumalanga to disrupt the illegal drug trade and target individuals suspected of supplying narcotics within local communities.
Provincial Head of the DPCI in Mpumalanga, Major General Nico Gerber, welcomed the successful operation and commended the multidisciplinary team involved in the investigation and arrest.
Gerber also reaffirmed the Hawks’ commitment to working alongside other law enforcement agencies and communities to identify and dismantle networks allegedly involved in the distribution of illegal drugs.
“We are committed to working with other law enforcement agencies and communities to identify and dismantle networks involved in the distribution of illegal drugs,” Gerber said.
The latest arrest highlights the role of intelligence-led policing and cooperation between specialised law enforcement units in addressing organised criminal activity.
The accused remains in custody pending his court appearance. The allegations against him have not yet been tested in court, and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Source: Thepressradio.com
