Six arrested as police seize dagga worth R2 million
Police arrested six suspects and seized approximately 325kg of dagga worth R1.95 million during two separate operations in Mahamba and Carolina.
MPUMALANGA – Police arrested six people in two separate incidents in Mahamba and Carolina after they seized dagga with an estimated street value of R1.95 million on October 22 and 23.
Five suspects, aged between 22 and 30, were arrested in Mahamba on October 23, during Safer Festive Season operations.
Police were conducting stop-and-search operations on the N2 near the Commondale turn-off at about 21:40 when they stopped a white Isuzu double-cab bakkie.
A search of the vehicle uncovered 33 rolls of dagga weighing approximately 125.2kg, with an estimated street value of R750 000.
The dagga and vehicle were seized for further investigation, and the five suspects were arrested on charges of dealing in dagga.
In a separate incident on October 22, police in Carolina arrested an Eswatini national after discovering approximately 200kg of dagga in a vehicle, with an estimated street value of R1.2 million.
According to Sergeant Thulisile Magagula, provincial police spokesperson, officers were patrolling Voortrekker Street in Carolina at about 05:20 when they noticed a suspicious grey Volkswagen Golf TSI with tinted windows.
When police attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver allegedly fled in the direction of Wonderfontein Road. Officers pursued the vehicle and intercepted it near the Belfast turn-off.
A search of the vehicle uncovered the dagga concealed inside. The driver was arrested and charged with dealing in dagga and the vehicle and dagga were seized for further investigation.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise, commended the members 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.
