Three suspects are expected to appear in the Hoedspruit Magistrate’s Court on Monday on drug trafficking charges after they were busted with drugs worth R11 million over the weekend.
The suspects were arrested during an operation by members of the Hoedspruit SAPS in collaboration with Farm Watch members between Saturday, May 30, and the early hours of Sunday, May 31.
Limpopo police spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, said the relentless implementation of Operation Shanela 2 continues to deliver significant results in the fight against organised crime.
“Acting on information regarding the movement of a large quantity of drugs through the area, operational members intercepted a Toyota Quantum taxi and a Hyundai i20 along the R527 near Snake Park at about 9.15 pm on Saturday,” Ledwaba said.
A total of 130 bags of dagga were discovered and seized by police.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the consignment originated in Eswatini and was being transported through Limpopo for distribution elsewhere in the country. Three suspects, aged between 34 and 35, were immediately arrested on charges of dealing in dagga,” Ledwaba said.
The consignment of dagga has been estimated to be worth around R11 million.
The operation yielded additional arrests, including three suspects for urinating in public and one suspect for using dagga.
Operational teams also conducted patrols in three villages, ten farms, an airport, four banking institutions and six ATMs as part of ongoing crime prevention and visibility operations.
The Limpopo Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, praised the collaborative efforts of SAPS members and Farm Watch and said the success highlighted the importance of partnerships in safeguarding communities and disrupting criminal activities.
“This seizure has prevented a substantial quantity of illicit drugs from reaching communities and demonstrates the effectiveness of joint operations. Criminals must know that law enforcement remains determined to disrupt drug trafficking networks and protect our communities from the harmful effects of drugs,” Hadebe said.
Police said their investigations continue.
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Robin-Lee Francke
iol.co.za
