Lobamba – More than 430 kilogrammes of dagga worth an estimated E378 965 was intercepted by the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) in three separate incidents along the Kingdom’s border areas on October 26, 2026, with one suspect fleeing on foot after abandoning a vehicle loaded with the illegal substance.
The three incidents occurred at Machobeni in the Shiselweni Region and Mpuluzi in the Hhohho Region, resulting in the recovery of dagga consignments carried in vehicles and by individuals.
According to a statement issued by UEDF Public Affairs Officer Major Sandile M. Gwebu on October 28, the largest seizure involved a white Ford Focus sedan intercepted at a mounted vehicle checkpoint at Machobeni at approximately 9pm on October 26.
The driver allegedly abandoned the vehicle and fled upon seeing the soldiers. A subsequent search uncovered 10 bags of dagga weighing 292 kilogrammes, with an estimated street value of E241 000. The vehicle, bearing South African registration number BD 29 HN GP, and the consignment were handed over to the relevant law enforcement agency.
In a separate incident at Mpuluzi at approximately 9.45pm on the same day, soldiers intercepted a red Toyota Tazz sedan carrying 13 bags and five rolls of dagga.
The consignment weighed 135.04 kilogrammes and was valued at E135 040. Two men, identified as Siyabonga Dlamini, 24, and Mpendulo Mlotjwa, 23, both from the Silele area in the Shiselweni Region, were arrested in connection with the incident.
The suspects, vehicle and dagga were handed over to the relevant law enforcement agency for further investigation.
Earlier that day, at approximately 11.40am, soldiers on patrol at Machobeni apprehended another man allegedly carrying four rolls of dagga weighing 2.925 kilogrammes, with an estimated street value of E2 925.
The suspect was identified as 40-year-old Justice Ntshalintshali of the Madulini area in the Shiselweni Region. He and the consignment were also handed over to the relevant law enforcement agency.
The three seizures bring the total reported quantity to approximately 430 kilogrammes, with an estimated combined street value of E378 965.
The latest interceptions come amid what the UEDF describes as continued dagga smuggling along the Kingdom’s borders despite ongoing efforts to curb the illegal activity.
In its statement, the defence force expressed concern over the continued incidents but assured the nation that it would maintain efforts to prevent criminal activities along the country’s boundary lines.
The UEDF also appealed to members of the public to assist in combating cross-border crime by reporting suspicious activities.
Members of the public who witness criminal activity along the Kingdom’s borders can contact the defence force through its toll-free line, 990.
The Office of the Commander further commended community members who have been assisting soldiers in tackling such activities and called for continued cooperation.
The UEDF reiterated its commitment to protecting and defending the Kingdom of Eswatini.
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