The Border Management Authority (BMA) said 713 kilograms of methaqualone, a precursor chemical used in the manufacture of Mandrax, was seized at the Beitbridge Port of Entry in a haul with an estimated street value of nearly R1 billion.
SOUTH African border authorities have intercepted a staggering 713 kg of methaqualone - a precursor chemical used in the manufacture of Mandrax - valued at nearly R1 billion, in a significant drug bust at Beitbridge Port.
Three suspects have been arrested as investigations continue into a possible transnational criminal syndicate, IOL reported.
The Border Management Authority (BMA) confirmed that border guards stopped a truck travelling from Malawi into South Africa on Tuesday during a routine stop and search operation.
What began as a standard cargo scan quickly escalated into an eight-hour physical search of the vehicle, ultimately uncovering 713 000 grams of the controlled substance methaqualone, also known as ABBA.
