Police have seized crystal meth worth an estimated R3 million during an intelligence-driven operation in Diepsloot, Gauteng.

The drugs were allegedly found hidden under a mattress at a property searched by officers on Sunday, May 31.

According to Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, the operation was carried out by Counter Narcotics Crime Intelligence, the West Rand Tactical Response Team and the West Rand K9 Unit.

Nevhuhulwi said officers acted on information about two men allegedly dealing drugs in the area.

“The team operationalised information about two men dealing in drugs at Diepsloot,” she said.

Black refuse bag found at property

Police said the property was identified and searched.

During the search, officers found a black refuse bag hidden under a mattress.

Inside the bag, they allegedly discovered suspected crystal meth with an estimated street value of about R3 million.

The recovered drugs weighed around 10kg.

Nevhuhulwi said a 35-year-old man found at the property was arrested and charged with possession of drugs.

Police are still searching for another suspect believed to be linked to the case.

Suspect due in court

The arrested suspect is expected to appear in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday, June 1.

Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni praised the officers involved in the operation.

“We remain committed to removing drugs from our streets and holding those responsible accountable,” Mthombeni said.

“Drug peddling will not be tolerated in our province.”

Drug busts raise trafficking concerns

The Diepsloot seizure comes shortly after South African border authorities intercepted a major drug consignment at the Beitbridge Port of Entry.

In that operation, authorities found 713kg of methaqualone, a substance used in the manufacture of Mandrax, hidden in a truck entering the country from Malawi.

The consignment was valued at nearly R1 billion, and three suspects were arrested.

The recent seizures have again placed organised drug trafficking under the spotlight.

Law enforcement agencies and anti-crime activists have warned that criminal syndicates continue to target vulnerable communities with narcotics, fuelling addiction, violence and other forms of organised crime.

Authorities say intelligence-led operations remain central to disrupting drug networks from border posts to local streets.