Tik truck stopped in its tracks as cops seize crystal meth worth R50 million

THE NORTHERN Cape police were part of a high-stakes national operation that led to the seizure of crystal meth worth a staggering R50 million - a major strike against drug trafficking networks operating across provincial borders.

Within just 24 hours of the launch of an Interprovincial Crime-Combat Operation - involving officers from the Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, Free State, and Western Cape - police intercepted a truck near Aliwal North, packed with over 300 kilograms of crystal meth.

SAPS spokesperson Captain Loraine Earle said that the vehicle, flagged after intelligence was shared between provincial units, was stopped on a bridge en route from Smithfield at around 10.30am on March 25. It was then escorted into Aliwal North, where specialised teams, including the K9 Unit and forensic investigators, combed through it.

What they found was a massive stash: 12 heavy bags filled with 313.5kg of crystal methamphetamine - a drug commonly referred to as “tik” - neatly concealed in the cargo. The street value is estimated at R50 million.

The driver, a 35-year-old man from Gauteng and also the owner of the truck, was arrested on the spot. He is due to appear in the Aliwal North Magistrate’s Court soon on charges related to drug trafficking.

The truck was seized as evidence, and police are continuing their investigations into the broader syndicate.

Captain Earle said the haul represents a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to dismantle cross-border criminal networks.