South Africa Intercepts Suspected Mandrax Shipment From Malawi
Published on May 28, 2026 at 4:30 PM by Evance Kapito
South African authorities have arrested three suspects after intercepting a massive drug consignment worth nearly R1 billion at the Beitbridge Border Post between South Africa and Zimbabwe.
According to the Border Management Authority (BMA), the truck, which was travelling from Malawi into South Africa, was flagged during an intelligence-led operation after cargo scanners detected suspicious substances.
Officials later conducted an extensive search lasting about eight hours and discovered approximately 713,000 grams of methaqualone (ABBA), a substance commonly used in the production of mandrax.
The suspects are currently detained at Musina Police Station and are expected to appear in court soon on drug trafficking charges as investigations continue into the intended destination of the consignment and possible links to a wider transnational criminal network.
BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato said the successful interception highlights the effectiveness of coordinated border security operations and warned that South Africa’s borders will not be used as safe routes for organised crime.
SABC
