28/05/2026
The Border Management Authority has just achieved what is likely the single biggest breakthrough against the drug trade in South African history, by intercepting a consignment at Beitbridge valued at nearly R1 billion. (You read that right).
Yesterday, 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. The truck was intercepted and examined through the sophisticated truck scanner on site, with a hidden compartment discovered. Working over 8 hours, the BMA patiently dismantled the truck until a substance was discovered that was confirmed to be methaqualone, also known as ABBA, commonly used in the manufacture of mandrax.
The Hawks and K9 units were called in, with 713 000 grams of the substance seized at an estimated value of R998 200 000. Just under R1 billion.
Three Malawian suspects were arrested and taken to the Musina Police Station, with the Hawks to conduct further investigations.
This historic breakthrough in the fight against smuggling and drugs vividly demonstrates that the combination of intelligence-led investigations, digital transformation, and the commitment of the BMA is systematically rebuilding the rule of law at our borders! 🇿🇦
