684 Suspects Arrested as Limpopo Police Recover Firearms, Dagga and Illegal Goods in Operation Shanela
July 20, 2026
Two suspects have been arrested after members of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) allegedly discovered Crystal Meth with an estimated street value of more than R93,000 during an intelligence-driven operation in Ermelo.
The operation was carried out on Sunday, 19 July 2026, at approximately 17:45, following information that a silver old-shape Mercedes-Benz sedan carrying two occupants was travelling from Volksrust to Ermelo to collect drugs.
Acting on the intelligence, members of the Ermelo K9 Unit, together with the Secunda Serious Organised Crime Investigation (SOCI) and the Secunda Serious Crime Investigation (SCI), monitored the N11 between Ermelo and Amersfoort.
The vehicle was later spotted travelling from Ermelo towards Amersfoort and was stopped for a search. Officers allegedly discovered a packet containing 310.20 grams of Crystal Meth concealed inside the vehicle’s cubby box.
A 44-year-old man and a 46-year-old woman were arrested at the scene and are facing charges of allegedly contravening the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act. The confiscated drugs are estimated to have a street value of R93,060.
The pair is expected to appear before the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court soon on charges of possession of drugs, while investigations into the matter continue.
Acting Provincial Head of the Hawks in Mpumalanga, Brigadier Thabiso Mayekiso, praised the officers involved for their swift action and coordinated efforts.
He warned that the Hawks, together with other law enforcement agencies, remain committed to combating drug trafficking in the province and will continue targeting those involved in the transportation and distribution of illegal drugs.
