South Africa’s Border Management Authority (BMA) has arrested three Malawians after intercepting a drug consignment worth nearly R1 billion at the Beitbridge border post between South Africa and Zimbabwe.
According to media reports, a truck entering South Africa from Zimbabwe was flagged after scanners detected suspicious cargo.
The reports state that detailed search uncovered about 713,000 grams of a substance commonly used in the production of mandrax.
BMA said investigations were underway to establish the intended destination of the drugs.
Media reports quoted BMA Commissioner Michael Masiapato commending “intelligence-led” border security operations and close collaboration between law enforcement agencies.
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Masiapato said authorities remain committed to strengthening border security, combating transnational crime and protecting the country from illicit activities that threaten communities and the economy.
South African Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber described the seizure as one of the country’s biggest breakthroughs against drug trafficking.
“Yesterday [Wednesday], an intelligence-driven operation coordinated out of our National Targeting Centre identified a truck travelling through Zimbabwe to Beitbridge. Upon arrival, the BMA was ready and waiting for it,” Schreiber said.
He added that officials used sophisticated scanners to inspect the truck before discovering a hidden compartment.
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“Working over eight hours, the BMA patiently dismantled the truck until a substance was discovered that was confirmed to be methaqualone,” Schreiber said.
Beitbridge is one of Southern Africa’s busiest border posts linking South Africa and Zimbabwe.
The three suspects, whose identities have not been disclosed, remain in custody as police continue investigations.
Malawi Police Service spokesperson Lael Chimtembo said authorities are still waiting for formal communication from Interpol on the matter.
“Normally, when arrests are made outside the country, we wait for formal communication from our counterparts,” Chimtembo said.