NELSPRUIT - Police in Mpumalanga are working tirelessly to disorganise drug networks in the province and as a result, an alleged drug smuggler, aged 32 was arrested and charged for dealing in dagga. The man who is from the Kingdom of Eswatini was arrested at Sheepmoor in the morning of today, Thursday 08 September 2022 around 09:50.

According to the information, members of the police at Sheepmoor were conducting a sting operation on the R65 Road and stopped a red Toyota bakkie with one occupant. A search was conducted where the members found 59 bags of dagga worth about 320 kilograms. The man was then arrested and charged accordingly for dealing in dagga and the dagga was confiscated. The estimated street value of the dagga seized is at about R480 000. The police investigation has also revealed that the man did not have valid documentation to be in South Africa and a charge of contravention of the Immigration Act was added against him.

The suspect is expected to appear at the Ermelo Magistrate's Court on Monday, 12 September 2022 facing the said charges.

In the meantime the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has commended members for their continuous hard work in the fight against drug trafficking. "The members should keep up the good work and their effort is not in vain. We acknowledge their enthusiasm with much appreciation. The road to the realisation of a safe environment for all citizens is looking bright" said Lieutenant General Manamela.

Source: South African Police Service