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

According to information received, the arrest took place on the N4 between the Middelburg Toll Gate and Nelson Mandela Drive off-ramp near eMalahleni on Thursday.

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

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

They stopped the car and searched the vehicle, and 13 bags of dagga, weighing approximately 259kg, with an estimated street value of roughly R260 000, were discovered.

A Lesotho national (49) was arrested and charged with possession of dagga and dealing in dagga.

He is expected to appear in the eMalahleni Magistrate’s Court today.

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,” he said.