MALALANE – According to Lt Mzwandile Nyambi, a member of the White River K9 Unit stopped the vehicle driver , who was travelling from Mozambique to Gauteng, after he noticed something suspicious. While searching the Prado, the dog reacted to one of the vehicle’s petrol tanks and packets of pure Afghani heroin were found stashed inside.
The suspect was immediately taken into custody at the Kaapmuiden Police Station and appeared in the Barberton Magistrate’s Court on Monday. He was denied bail and is expected to appear in court again on March 14.
On Monday the provincial DA sent out a press statement congratulating the K9 unit for the success, which has been recognised as one of the largest drug busts in Mpumalanga. “This latest drug bust gives hope to communities and families, especially young children, who have become victims of dealers.”
Drug and alcohol abuse in our province has become a major contributor to crimes perpetrated in our schools and neighbourhoods.
“This bust and the arrest of the alleged dealer should be lauded. Drug syndicates operating in Mpumalanga must be harshly dealt with. Dealers must know that the province is a no-go area for their activities,” the statement read.
The party called for more action to be taken to fight the drug trade in Mpumalanga. “The provincial Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison must intensify efforts in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking. A specialised unit as indicated by the president during his State of the Nation Address must be established sooner, as while we all wait, the stem of heroin and other drugs keeps flowing in to destroy our communities.”
The statement was concluded with the thought that it was essential that policing along the borders of Swaziland, Mozambique and the Kruger National Park be increased, as these were the areas where most of the drugs entered the country.
