Two arrested as Chris Hani drug operation nets R44,000 cash

Two suspects are expected to appear in court next week following separate drug-related arrests during a multi-disciplinary police operation in the Chris Hani District.

The suspects, aged 35 and 49, were arrested in Middelburg and Nxuba respectively on Friday, 7 August 2026, on allegations of possession of and dealing in drugs.

According to a statement issued by the Office of the Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner, the arrests formed part of a multi-disciplinary Shanela II operation carried out after police received information about suspected drug dealing at two homesteads.

Members of the Chris Hani District Task Team, Glen Grey Crime Prevention Unit, Nxuba K9 Unit, Nxuba Public Order Police and Nxuba Crime Intelligence were involved in the operation.

Police said the intelligence-driven teams proceeded to the two identified properties and requested permission to conduct searches.

During the searches, officers allegedly discovered quantities of tik and mandrax.

Police estimated the combined value of the seized drugs at approximately R8,250.

A combined R44,178 in cash was also confiscated from the two premises, together with scales allegedly used to measure tik.

The two suspects are expected to appear before their respective magistrate’s courts on Tuesday, 11 August 2026.

Chris Hani District Commissioner Major General Rudolph Adolph welcomed the arrests, with police saying the succession of drug-related arrests in the district was encouraging as authorities continue operations aimed at reducing crime.

The latest arrests come amid continued police operations targeting the possession and sale of illegal drugs across the Chris Hani District.