R5 million worth of cannabis seized in joint law enforcement operation

A 29-year-old man is expected to appear in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court on Monday after being arrested with dagga worth an estimated R5 million.

The suspect was apprehended in the Mbombela CBD on Friday following a joint operation by the South African Police Service (SAPS) and local law enforcement.

During a search of a Toyota Quantum, officers discovered 25 compressed bags of dagga weighing just under 900 kilograms.

In addition to the narcotics, police seized more than R3,000 in cash and confiscated the vehicle used to transport the illicit cargo.

Speaking on behalf of the Mpumalanga police, Captain Mpho Nonyane confirmed that the suspect is facing charges of possession and dealing in dagga.

“Acting swiftly on the information, the team mobilised to the identified location. Upon arrival, members of the Provincial Anti-Hijacking Task Team found that the Mbombela Law Enforcement Intervention Team had already stopped the vehicle,” said Nonyane.