LIMPOPO – Police in Hoedspruit have intercepted dagga worth approximately R11 million and arrested three suspects in a major drug trafficking bust, marking another significant success for #OperationShanela2 in the ongoing fight against organised crime.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Mahudu Malabi-Dzhangi, the suspects, Sabelo Lawrance Banda, Njabulo Nsibande and Ishmael Malatjie appeared before the Hoedspruit Magistrate’s Court yesterday, 1 June, and are charged with contravening Section 4 of the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act. “They were caught with a total weight of the dagga around 1,564kg, valued at R11 million.”
According to a SAPS statement, the successful operation was conducted by members of Hoedspruit SAPS in collaboration with Farm Watch members between Saturday evening, 30 May, and the early hours of Sunday, 31 May.
“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 sedan along the R527 near Snake Park at about 21:15 on Saturday night,” read the statement.
It added that a search of the vehicles led to the discovery of 130 bags of dagga. “Preliminary investigations indicate that the consignment originated in Eswatini and was being transported through Limpopo for distribution elsewhere in the country,” it stated.
Three suspects, aged between 34 and 35, were immediately arrested on charges of dealing in dagga.
The statement also mentioned that another operation yielded additional arrests, including three suspects arrested for urinating in public and one for the use of 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,” it stated.
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant-General Thembi Hadebe, praised the collaborative efforts of SAPS members and Farm Watch, saying the success highlights 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,” said Hadebe.
Malabi-Dzhangi stated that an investigation is under way for possible dealing, and the suspects will remain in custody until their next appearance on 8 June.
