On 15 October 2026, South African Police Service (SAPS) officers seized 69,000 mandrax tablets valued at approximately R5.5 million during a raid at a storage facility on 8th Avenue in Grassy Park, Cape Town. A 58-year-old woman was arrested and detained at Grassy Park police station in connection with the bust.
The National Intervention Unit, working alongside Crime Intelligence, acted on credible information about suspected drug trafficking. They arrived at the scene just after 01:40, conducting a thorough search that uncovered 69 bags of mandrax tablets, each containing 1,000 units. SAPS confirmed the seizure in a social media statement, highlighting the significant haul and subsequent arrest.
“Upon arrival at around 01:40, a thorough pursuit was done resulting in the discovery of 69 bags of mandrax tablets each filled with 1000 units,” SAPS said.
The 58-year-old suspect was expected to appear in Wynberg Magistrate’s Court on 16 October 2026. According to a report by eNCA, the woman was named as Shireen Francis from Grassy Park and was remanded in custody pending a bail hearing. However, this specific name has not been independently verified by other sources and remains unconfirmed.
This operation forms part of ongoing efforts by Western Cape police to disrupt mandrax trafficking networks across Cape Town. Previous busts in October 2026, including one in Hout Bay, indicate intensified action against illegal drug storage facilities and distribution points in the region. Law enforcement officials have emphasised the negative impact of mandrax on communities across the Cape Flats, linking its availability to increased crime and social harm.
The seizure of such a large quantity of mandrax tablets in Grassy Park spotlights continuing challenges in controlling the drug trade in Cape Town suburbs. Police remain committed to targeting organised crime syndicates involved in the manufacture, storage, and distribution of mandrax.
The case is ongoing, with the suspect’s court appearance and further police operations expected to provide more clarity on the broader network connected to this bust. Cape Flats.co.za will continue to monitor updates from Wynberg Magistrate’s Court and SAPS regarding this investigation.