Midrand: Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has commended members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) for their work following a major drug bust in Midrand, Gauteng, which led to the seizure of cocaine valued at approximately R20 million.
According to South African Government News Agency, on Tuesday, 28 October 2025, a crime intelligence-driven, multidisciplinary operation led by Crime Intelligence Head Office, with the support of the Gauteng Organised Crime Unit, SAPS Johannesburg K9 Unit, and Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC), resulted in the discovery of 80 kilograms of cocaine hidden in a storage room on a small holding in Blue Hills, Midrand.
The team had been acting on intelligence regarding the storage of illegal narcotics on the premises. Preliminary investigations revealed that the drugs had been brought into South Africa from a neighbouring country and were destined for Cape Town.
A 56-year-old male, believed to be the owner of the property, was arrested on the scene and is expected to appear before the Midrand Magistrate’s Court later this week on charges of possession and dealing in drugs.
Cachalia commended the operation, describing it as a significant step in the ongoing fight against the scourge of drugs and organised crime. ‘This successful operation is yet another example of the dedication and professionalism of our men and women in blue. It demonstrates what can be achieved when intelligence and operational capacity work hand in hand,’ the Minister said.
‘The removal of R20 million worth of cocaine from our streets is a major blow to organised criminal syndicates and a massive victory for law enforcement agencies and the long suffering parents whose children have been victims of these drug cartels. We will continue to intensify our efforts to root out drugs and dismantle criminal syndicates that threaten the safety and wellbeing of our people. We commend every member involved in this operation for their relentless pursuit of justice,’ the Minister said.