MBABANE – South African police have intercepted a major consignment of dagga believed to have originated from Eswatini, with an estimated street value of E11 million
This is one of the largest dagga consignment seized this year, dealing a significant blow to suspected cross-border drug trafficking operations.
The seizure was made during a joint law enforcement operation conducted under Operation Shanela II in Hoedspruit, Limpopo Province, between Saturday evening and the early hours of Sunday.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), members of the Hoedspruit police station, working together with Farm Watch members, acted on information regarding the movement of a large quantity of drugs through the area.
Police spokespersons said operational teams intercepted a Toyota Quantum taxi and a Hyundai sedan travelling along the R527 near Snake Park at approximately 9:15pm on Saturday.
A subsequent search of the two vehicles led to the discovery of 130 bags of dagga.
Preliminary investigations by police indicate that the consignment originated from Eswatini and was being transported through Limpopo en route to destinations elsewhere in South Africa.
Three suspects, aged between 34 and 35 years, were arrested at the scene and charged with dealing in dagga.
The arrests form part of ongoing efforts by South African authorities to disrupt organised crime syndicates involved in the trafficking and distribution of illegal drugs across provincial and international borders.
The seizure is one of the latest major drug busts linked to suspected smuggling routes operating between Eswatini and South Africa.
Authorities believe such routes are frequently used by criminal networks to transport narcotics for distribution in various parts of South Africa.In addition to the drug-related arrests, the operation resulted in the arrest of three individuals for allegedly urinating in public and one suspect for the use of dagga.
Police said the broader operation involved extensive crime prevention activities aimed at enhancing visibility and improving public safety in the area.
Operational teams conducted patrols in three villages, 10 farms, an airport, four banking institutions and six automated teller machines (ATMs) as part of the coordinated security initiative.
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, commended the collaborative efforts between SAPS members and Farm Watch volunteers, describing the operation as an example of the effectiveness of partnerships in combating crime.Hadebe said the successful seizure had prevented a substantial quantity of illicit drugs from reaching communities.
“This seizure has prevented a substantial quantity of illicit drugs from reaching communities and demonstrates the effectiveness of joint operations,” she said.
The commissioner further warned that law enforcement agencies would continue targeting drug trafficking networks operating within the province and across South Africa.
“Criminals must know that law enforcement remains determined to disrupt drug trafficking networks and protect our communities from the harmful effects of drugs,” added Hadebe.
The latest seizure comes as South African authorities intensify efforts to curb the movement of illicit substances through known trafficking corridors.Operation Shanela II has been credited with numerous arrests and seizures across the country since its implementation, targeting organised crime, drug trafficking, illegal firearms and other serious offences.The three suspects arrested in connection with the dagga haul are expected to appear before the Hoedspruit Magistrate’s Court on Monday, where they will face charges relating to dealing in dagga.
Meanwhile, police investigations are continuing as authorities seek to establish the full extent of the trafficking operation and identify other individuals who may have been involved in transporting and distributing the drugs.
The investigation is expected to focus on the origin of the consignment, its intended destination and any criminal networks linked to the smuggling route allegedly used to move the drugs from Eswatini into South Africa.
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