South African School Raid Uncovers 221 e-cigarettes, Marijuana, and Knives

Key points:

·Seized items and quantity:

A total of 221 e-cigarettes, 7 bags of marijuana, 10 knives, and other dangerous items were seized during a joint operation conducted by the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department and the South African K9 unit.

·Health Risk Warning:

Doctors point out that e-liquids contain multiple toxins, and vitamin E acetate can lead to severe lung damage and even death. E-cigarettes are designed to be discreet and have enticing flavors, making it easy to entice non-smoking teenagers to come into contact with nicotine and THC ingredients.

·Law and social context:

The Tobacco Products Control Act in South Africa prohibits adolescents under the age of 18 from using e-cigarettes.

This search is part of the ongoing safety operation in the city of Ekeruleini, which launched the "Safe Schools Protocol" in June to create a child-friendly school environment.

In a surprise police raid conducted at a school in Benoni, South Africa this week, a large quantity of contraband was unexpectedly seized, including 221 e-cigarettes, as reported by MSN on September 11, 2025.

According to social activist Yusuf Abramjee, the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department and the South African Police Service K9 unit conducted a search and seizure operation at Bellevue School on September 9th. Several prohibited items were found in possession of the students.

Of concern is the discovery of 221 e-cigarette devices in the student residence.

Other items found include: 7 bags of self-sealing bags containing marijuana, 10 knives, 9 lighters, 5 boxes of matches, and 3 toy guns.

In order to further strengthen campus search efforts and prevent illegal activities on campus, students were subjected to personal searches... At the same time, sniffer dogs from the police K-9 unit were used to search backpacks in classrooms to look for illegal drugs and dangerous weapons," Abramj said.

According to the 1993 Tobacco Control Act, it is illegal for individuals under the age of 18 to come into contact with cigarettes or e-cigarettes.

Dr. Marisna Venter, a general practitioner at the hospital, pointed out in her report that e-liquids contain various toxins and harmful substances. Despite e-cigarettes being on the South African market for about ten years, the specific ingredients and their effects of e-liquids are still under research.

Vintell points out several reasons why the teenage e-cigarette usage rate is increasing, including: • More discreet than traditional cigarettes • Can easily be hidden in pockets • Devices are lightweight and less noticeable than smoking • Sweet and fruity e-liquids are tempting to teenagers • Colorful and attractive designs • Introducing nicotine to non-smoking teenagers • Curiosity among teenagers may lead to the addition of THC, a cannabis compound.

The World Health Organization warns that e-cigarettes may harm the health of adolescents, potentially leading to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and inflammatory lung disease.

E-liquid devices, especially those that have been modified to add substances like THC, pose significant risks. Vitamin E acetate, a carrier oil, is identified as a condensing agent associated with e-cigarette use related lung injuries (EVALI, commonly known as 'popcorn lung')," warned Dr. Vintrell.

Vintelle pointed out that burning vitamin E acetate in e-cigarette devices can produce a highly toxic gas called ketene. Inhalation of this gas at low concentrations can cause severe lung damage, while at high concentrations it can lead to death.

Abramjee added that the campus search operation in Ekurhuleni City will continue to ensure campus safety.