The South African Police Service (SAPS) last Friday arrested a 27-year-old man found transporting dagga worth an estimated R8 million, believed to be destined for Zimbabwe via Limpopo Province.
The dagga, weighing nearly one tonne and packed in 41 bags, was being carried on a trailer when it was intercepted during an anti-smuggling operation.
In a media statement, SAPS spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba confirmed the arrest and seizure, saying the operation was part of ongoing efforts to curb cross-border drug trafficking. Said Ledwaba:
The suspect was nabbed during a joint anti-smuggling operation executed by the Limpopo Tracking and Task Teams together with other police units and external law enforcement agencies.
Police received intelligence information about a white Toyota Hilux pick-up suspected to be transporting dagga from Eswatini destined to Vhembe district.
He said a vehicle fitting the description was seen on the R36 public road next to the Mooketsi weighbridge. Ledwaba said:
It was stopped, searched and found transporting forty-two (42) bags of compressed dagga weighing 851,85kg with an estimated street value of R8 million and the 27-year-old male suspect failed to account for the origin of the dagga and was immediately placed under arrest.
The Toyota Hilux pickup truck and trailer used in the alleged commission of the crime were also seized during the arrest.
Ledwaba said that the suspect is expected to appear before the Tzaneen Magistrate’s Court on a charge of dealing in drugs.
Too bad …….