SAPS cracks down in Eastern Cape with major drug busts and arrests

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Eastern Cape has intensified its fight against crime, recording a series of arrests and significant drug seizures during the latest phase of Operation Prosper.

According to police, operations conducted between 13 April 2026 and 19 April 2026 resulted in multiple enforcement actions across the province, targeting illegal substances and related criminal activity.

Arrests and search operations

During the reporting period, police executed 25 search warrants, with four yielding positive results. In addition, 23 Section 22 searches were carried out, eight of which led to successful outcomes.

These operations resulted in the arrest of nine suspects for the possession of drugs. Authorities confirmed that a further seven enquiries linked to these activities are still under investigation.

Large quantities of drugs seized

Police confiscated a wide range of illegal substances, highlighting the scale of drug-related activity uncovered during the operation.

Among the drugs seized were:

• Cocaine and khat with a combined weight of 128.93 grams
• Tik weighing 137.83 grams
• Dagga in various forms, including bankies, loose quantities and zolls, totalling over 500 grams
• 6.5 grams of rocks
• 1 175 full mandrax tablets, along with additional half and quarter tablets

Authorities also seized large volumes of prescription and illicit medication, including:

• 20 bottles of Stilpain syrup
• 20 870 Stilpain tablets
• 200 Saltipane tablets
• 100 Mylan tablets
• 200 Mylan Alprazolam tablets
• 53 Purata tablets
• 54 Percocet tablets

Weapons and other items recovered

In addition to drugs, police recovered several other items believed to be linked to criminal activity. These included:

• Eight rounds of ammunition
• A toy plastic gun and a gas gun
• Cash, bags and a black book
• Abalone and diving equipment
• A vehicle (Jeep)
• Multiple cellphones, laptops and accessories
• A Huawei router and an oxygen cylinder

Police praise ongoing efforts

Acting Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner Brigadier Loyiso Ngalo commended officers involved in the operation, acknowledging their continued efforts to tackle crime in the province.

Police confirmed that operations under Operation Prosper will continue, with a focus on disrupting criminal networks and improving safety in communities across the Eastern Cape.

Ongoing crackdown

Authorities say these results form part of broader, ongoing efforts to address drug-related crime and other illegal activities. Investigations linked to the latest arrests remain underway, and further developments are expected as police continue their operations.