Three foreign nationals caught with 713kg drug precursor worth nearly R1 billion at Limpopo border post in major SAPS crackdown
Three foreign nationals, including two Malawian nationals and one Zambian, have been arrested after authorities intercepted a truck carrying 713 kilograms of methaqualone (ABBA), a key drug-manufacturing ingredient valued at nearly R1 billion, at the Beitbridge Border Post in Limpopo.
The interception forms part of the ongoing nationwide crackdown under Operation Shanela, which continues to target organised crime syndicates, drug trafficking networks, and serious violent crime across South Africa.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Vincent Mukhathi said the breakthrough was made in coordination with the Border Management Authority (BMA), which successfully stopped the vehicle at the busy border crossing.
“The South African Police Service (SAPS) ongoing nationwide Shanela Operations continue to secure major breakthroughs in the fight against criminal networks involved in organised crime, drug trafficking and possession as well as other serious and violent crimes,” Mukhathi said.
