Hawks seize mandrax and dagga worth R900 000 at Oshoek Border

Mapaballo Borotho

The Hawks intercepted mandrax and dagga worth R900 000 at the Oshoek Port of Entry.
Two suspects from Lesotho were arrested after drugs were found hidden in boxes and plastic bags.
They are due to appear before the Elukwatini District Court on Thursday.

The Hawks in Mpumalanga have intercepted mandrax and dagga worth R900 000 at the Oshoek Port of Entry.

Initial reports revealed that the Hawks were summoned to the scene after a South African-registered truck, which was travelling from the Kingdom of Eswatini into South Africa, was intercepted at the Port of Entry on Wednesday, 12 November 2025.

Upon searching the truck, officials found mandrax tablets and dagga concealed inside suspicious-looking boxes and plastic bags.

Hawks spokesperson, Magonseni Nkosi, says both the driver and his crew, who are permanent South African citizens from Lesotho, were arrested.

“The combined value of the seized mandrax and dagga is estimated at R900 000, whilst a total of R3 200 in South African Rands and 4 600 Eswatini Emalangeni was found in their possession,” said Nkosi.

The suspects are expected to make their first court appearance before the Elukwatini District Court on Thursday, 13 November 2025.