Drugs Worth R19 Million Seized From Truck on N1 Near Huguenot Tunnel

A major drug bust on the N1 near the Huguenot Tunnel has dealt a heavy blow to the illicit drug trade, with police intercepting a truck transporting narcotics worth over R19 million from Johannesburg to Cape Town.

According to a statement from the Office of the Provincial Commissioner: Western Cape, the truck was stopped and searched at around 19:00 on Tuesday, 30 September 2025, following an intelligence-led operation by police in Paarl.

“Police in Paarl followed up on intelligence-driven information about a truck that allegedly transported drugs from Johannesburg to Cape Town,” the statement read.

“The vehicle was spotted near the Huguenot Tunnel by members of the Paarl Highway Patrol, Boland K9, and Provincial Traffic. The members stopped and searched the vehicle and seized 55.8kg tik to the street value of R16 367 814 and 30.5kg cocaine to the street value of R3 863 435.”

The total value of the drugs seized amounts to more than R19 million.

A 44-year-old Nigerian national was arrested on drug-related charges and is expected to appear in the Paarl Magistrate’s Court soon.

Read | Truck Bust Transporting Drugs Worth R4.5 Million On N1, Worcester

Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General (Adv.) Thembisile Patekile, praised the officers involved in the bust, highlighting the importance of disrupting the drug supply chain.

“I applaud all those involved who assisted police to remove the drugs from the streets and the accused from society,” said Lt Gen Patekile.

The seizure is regarded as a significant success in the fight against drug trafficking in the province and is expected to further support efforts to combat substance abuse in communities across the Western Cape.