The Star News

R20 million worth of cocaine that was headed for Cape Town was found during a raid in Midrand

Jonisayi Maromo|Updated

A 56-year-old man has been arrested after police discovered 80 kilograms of cocaine worth R20 million hidden in a storage room at a plot in Blue Hills, Midrand.

Image: SAPS

Cocaine valued at R20 million was found at a smallholding in Midrand, Gauteng, as a result of an operation driven by crime intelligence.

A multidisciplinary team led by crime intelligence conducted the operation on Tuesday evening, October 28, 2025, after receiving information about drugs being stored at a plot in Blue Hills, Midrand, according to the South African Police Service (SAPS).

The team included members from the Gauteng organised crime unit, SAPS Johannesburg K9 unit, and the local criminal record centre.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the drugs had been brought into South Africa from a neighbouring country and were destined for Cape Town in the Western Cape.

During the search of the property, police discovered cocaine weighing about 80 kilogrammes hidden in a storage room on the identified plot.

A 56-year-old man, who is believed to be the owner of the plot, was arrested. The cocaine, with an estimated street value of R20 million, was seized as evidence.

The suspect is expected to appear before the Midrand Magistrate’s Court later this week on possible charges of possession of drugs and dealing in drugs.

SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed the arrest and seizure, adding that the successful operation demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated efforts between police units in tackling organised crime.

[email protected]

IOL News  

Get your news on the go. Download the latest IOL App for Android and IOS now.