Namakwa police arrest six in Okiep drug sweep, seize Mandrax, Tik and cash

Six people were arrested in the Northern Cape on Tuesday, 6 October 2026, during a South African Police Service operation targeting drug crime in Okiep and Nababeep, the police said.

Members of the Namakwa District Task Team carried out stop-and-search and patrol operations in Okiep, where five suspects were arrested on charges of possession and dealing in drugs, according to a police statement. The operations ran through the afternoon and into the evening.

At about 16:45, officers working in The Hill area of Okiep stopped and searched a 42-year-old man and found him in possession of Mandrax tablets. He was arrested for possession of drugs. Shortly afterwards, officers arrested a 45-year-old woman, also for possession of drugs.

At about 17:30, members patrolling along the N7 National Road noticed a 31-year-old man who changed direction when he saw the police vehicle. Officers followed him, stopped him and searched him, and found him in possession of Tik. He was arrested for possession of drugs. A 38-year-old man who police said was behaving suspiciously was also apprehended during the operations.

A further suspect was arrested in Okiep and found in possession of drugs. Police also recovered an undisclosed amount of cash, suspected to be the proceeds of illicit drug sales. A 36-year-old man was arrested and charged with dealing in drugs.

Members of Nababeep SAPS contributed a sixth arrest when, at about 21:10, they arrested a 29-year-old man for possession of drugs.

All the arrested suspects are expected to appear in the Springbok Magistrate’s Court soon, where they will face the respective charges. The statement does not give a specific court date, and the suspects have not been named.

Namakwa District Management commended the members for their continued commitment to combating drug-related crime and said operations targeting the possession, distribution and dealing in illicit drugs would be sustained.

“The Namakwa District Task Team will continue to intensify operations aimed at disrupting the illicit drug trade and apprehending those involved in drug-related criminal activities. We remain committed to making our communities safer and to ensuring that those who deal in and distribute drugs are brought before the courts,” said Brigadier Andrews.

The police urged community members to support these efforts by reporting suspected criminal activities and drug-related offences to the police, or anonymously through Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or via the MySAPSApp.

Enquiries: Captain Ivan Magerman, 083 478 9317.

Source: South African Police Service (SAPS), Namakwa District Task Team continues to clamp down on drug-related crime, https://www.saps.gov.za/newsroom/msspeechdetail.php?nid=71651