Members from Middelburg Flying Squad Unit made a major breakthrough as they arrested a foreign national with dagga valued at about R260 000 during Operation Shanela.

Background information indicates that the arrest took place on the N4 Road between Middelburg Toll Gate and Nelson Mandela Drive off-Ramp near eMalahleni.

It is said that members of the Middelburg Flying Squad Unit were patrolling the said area when they spotted a suspicious white Toyota Hilux Double cab bakkie with Gauteng registration number plates.

The vehicle had one occupant, the driver, and the rear left tyre seemed to be flat.

Upon stopping the car, they conducted a search inside the vehicle, and 13 bags of dagga, weighing at approximately 259 kilograms with an estimated street value of roughly R260 000 were discovered.

It was at that point when the suspect (49), a Lesotho national, was arrested and charged for possession of dagga as well as for dealing in dagga.

He is expected to appear at eMalahleni Magistrate’s Court on Monday, November 18.

Meanwhile the Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, commended the members of the Middelburg Flying Squad Unit for their vigilance and dedication in apprehending the suspect.

“The members are really working hard and with enthusiasm to tackle crime. They must keep up the good work,” said General Mkhwanazi.