Hope Ntanzi|Published
Mpumalanga police have seized dagga worth an estimated R1.95 million in two separate operations and arrested six Eswatini nationals suspected of dealing in the drug.
According to Mpumalanga spokesperson Sergeant Thulisile Magagula, five suspects aged between 22 and 30 were arrested in Mahamba on October 23, while another Eswatini national was arrested in Carolina a day earlier.
In the Mahamba incident, police were conducting stop-and-search operations on the N2 near the Commondale turn-off at about 9.40 pm on Friday when they stopped a white Isuzu double-cab bakkie.
''Officers searched the vehicle and found 33 rolls of dagga weighing approximately 125.2kg, with an estimated street value of R750,000,'' she said.
The dagga and vehicle were seized for further investigation.
Suspect arrested after police chase
In a separate incident on Thursday, October 22, police in Carolina arrested an Eswatini national after finding approximately 200kg of dagga, valued at R1.2 million, inside a vehicle.
Magagula said officers were patrolling Voortrekker Street at about 5.20am when they spotted a suspicious grey Volkswagen Golf TSI with tinted windows.
When police attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver allegedly fled towards Wonderfontein Road. Officers pursued the vehicle and intercepted it near the Belfast turn-off.
A search revealed a substantial quantity of dagga concealed inside the vehicle. The suspect was arrested and charged with dealing in dagga.
The vehicle and dagga were seized for further investigation.
All six suspects are expected to appear in the Piet Retief and Carolina magistrates’ courts, respectively, in due course.
Police commissioner commends officers
Mpumalanga provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise commended the officers for their vigilance and swift response, which resulted in the seizure of a significant quantity of dagga before it could reach the streets.
“We will continue to intensify intelligence-driven operations and patrols to disrupt the illegal dagga trade.
''The seizure of this dagga is a clear indication of our commitment to ensuring that drugs are removed from our communities,” said the General.
hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za
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