FREE STATE — A significant Botshabelo drug bust has been successfully concluded following an intelligence-led raid under Operation Shanela II, resulting in the apprehension of a suspect and the recovery of a large quantity of illegal narcotics.
The arrest took place on Tuesday, 22 September 2026, at approximately 20:30. Acting on actionable intelligence, members of the Botshabelo Crime Prevention Unit targeted a specific residence in Section G of the township to disrupt local drug trafficking activities.
Spokespersons for the Botshabelo Crime Prevention Unit confirmed that officers apprehended a 32-year-old foreign national from Eswatini during the targeted raid. Upon searching the premises, law enforcement confiscated 61.95 kilograms of dagga. The seized cannabis has an estimated street value of R100,000.
Following the seizure, the suspect was formally charged with the possession of and dealing in dagga, alongside a contravention of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002.
The spokespersons noted that investigations into the matter remain ongoing as authorities work to uncover any further links to the broader drug supply chain. The accused is expected to make a brief appearance before the Botshabelo Magistrate’s Court in the near future to face the charges.
