R60 000 worth of dagga seized in bust

A Swaziland national was arrested during the late hours of Monday April 28 while allegedly trying to smuggle 74,48kg dagga into the country. The dagga, estimated at a street value of R60 000, was in six plastic bags and found to be of a high grade.

Bheki Sikhumbuzo Dlamini (30) was about to cross the fence to the Barberton side near Josefsdal when he was stopped in his tracks by a police patrol stationed at the border gate.

It is alleged that Dlamini was in the company of three other men when he was apprehended but they managed to escape.

Dlamini also tried to flee but because of the heavy load, only managed a few paces before he obeyed warnings not to attempt getting away.

Const. Tutu Nkosi of the Barberton police, said when Dlamini was arrested, he was also found to be in possession of an unlicensed firearm.

“Dlamini and his three accomplices were crossing from Swaziland into the country illegally. He has since been charged with the possession of an illegal firearm and the possession of dagga,” said Const. Nkosi.

Dlamini appeared in the Barberton Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday April 29 and was remanded in custody. He appeared again at the same court yesterday and at the time of going to print the verdict was still unknown.

Drug use is reportedly rife in Emjindini, especially among the youth. The arrest of Dlamini comes a few days before MEC for health and social development, Candith Mashego-Dlamini raised concern about drug abuse.

Const. Nkosi congratulated the police on another successful operation in the area.

“We are concerned that such a large consignment of drugs was being brought into the area. Criminal offences like these are contributing to other crimes in Umjindi. We will continue to monitor activities on this known drug route,” she said.