Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
South Africa’s Border Management Authority (BMA) says they have arrested two Malawians and one Zambian in connection with the smuggling into that country via Beitbridge of a contraband of drugs worth R998.2 million on Wednesday evening.
Further investigations into the matter are underway to establish the intended destination of the consignment and whether it forms part of a broader regional or global syndicate.
In addition, security authorities are pursuing leads on the origin of the drugs and individuals involved in its transportation and coordination.
BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato said the seizure, weighing approximately 713 000 grams, ranks among the largest drug busts since the BMA was established in 2023.
He said the three suspects remain in custody at Musina police station pending their appearance in court.
Dr Masiapato said the trio was facing charges related to drug trafficking and contravention of South African laws.
He told journalists on Friday that the commercial truck that was travelling from Malawi was flagged by the BMA’s National Border Targeting Centre on Wednesday evening.
“The truck was subjected to non-intrusive inspection using advanced cargo scanning technology, where suspicious foreign substances were detected. This prompted officials to undertake a comprehensive physical search of the vehicle, an operation that lasted approximately eight hours,” said Dr Masiapato.
“Through the vigilance, commitment, and professionalism of our officials and partner law enforcement agencies, a drug substance identified as ABBA, also known as methaqualone and commonly used in the manufacturing of mandrax, was discovered concealed within the truck.
“Authorities confirmed that the consignment weighed approximately 713 000 grams, with an estimated street value of R998.2 million. The consignments were packed in individual packages, each weighing just over 25 kg. This represents one of South Africa’s largest drug busts executed to date since the BMA was established in 2023.”
He credited the success to intelligence-led operations and integrated law enforcement collaboration between BMA border guards, the South African Police Service K-9 Unit, SARS, and the Hawks.
Dr Masiapato said the BMA remains vigilant to combat cross border crimes at its borders.
He added that the Authority will continue to strengthen its operational footprint through various interventions, integrated law enforcement collaboration, and the deployment of advanced technology at the ports of entry.
“Drug trafficking destroys communities, fuels violence, enables corruption and threatens the wellbeing of our young people. It also undermines economic growth,” said Dr Masiapato.
“We will not stop until these syndicates are disrupted, dismantled and deprived of every opportunity to operate within our borders.”
To thwart the drug menace, the Government has since set up an Inter-Ministerial Committee to formulate strategies and coordinate responses to the issue of drug and substance abuse in the country.
In addition, four ZRP Drugs and Narcotics Units have been established at four border posts, namely: Beitbridge; Victoria Falls; Chirundu; and Mutare.
New technologies like drones are also being used to monitor the country’s borders in addition to the traditional surveillance methods in order to reduce smuggling and trafficking of drugs.
At Beitbridge, authorities continue to intercept marijuana, banned and prohibited cough syrups and in some instances hard drugs coming in through South Africa daily.
