FREE STATE — A significant Parys drug bust has led to the apprehension of three foreign nationals after the Welkom Anti-Gang Unit dismantled a local narcotics trafficking network. The swift, intelligence-driven operation resulted in the seizure of large quantities of Crystal Meth, Mandrax, and illicit cash, marking a major victory in the ongoing effort to keep illegal substances off the streets.
The crackdown began on Friday, 24 July 2026, when operators from the Welkom Anti-Gang Unit (Section C2) were deployed to the town for crime-combating duties. During their patrol, law enforcement officers observed suspicious activity surrounding a residential property on Kort Street. Following immediate on-site intelligence gathering, authorities determined that foreign nationals living at the residence were actively peddling illegal narcotics.
Armed with this information, the unit successfully applied for and obtained a search warrant from the Parys Magistrate’s Court.
The tactical execution of the warrant took place the following day, on Saturday, 25 July 2026. Upon arriving at the Kort Street property, officers caught a 48-year-old male suspect red-handed in the middle of a drug transaction. He was immediately restrained, and a search of his person yielded illicit drugs and cash.
The search was then expanded to the interior of the residence, where officers discovered a second foreign national, a 46-year-old male. A thorough sweep of the house led to the recovery of a substantial quantity of additional Crystal Meth and Mandrax.
Acting on follow-up investigations, the tactical team quickly moved to a secondary location in the town’s Mandela Section. During the search of this premises, a 31-year-old male suspect was arrested after officers found him in possession of even more Crystal Meth and Mandrax.
Spokespersons for the Welkom Anti-Gang Unit confirmed that all three suspects—aged 31, 46, and 48—remain in police custody. They are expected to appear before the Parys Magistrate’s Court in the near future to formally face charges of dealing in drugs.
