Six Eswatini nationals arrested as police seize dagga worth R1.95 million in Mpumalanga

Six Eswatini nationals have been arrested in two separate drug-related incidents in Mpumalanga after police seized dagga worth an estimated R1.95 million.

The arrests were made during police operations in Mahamba and Carolina on October 22 and 23, as officers intensified efforts to combat the illegal drug trade ahead of the festive season.

In the first incident, five suspects aged between 22 and 30 were arrested in Mahamba on Friday, October 23, for alleged dealing in dagga.

In a statement on Saturday, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said officers were conducting stop-and-search operations on the N2 near the Commondale turn-off at about 9.40pm when they stopped a white Isuzu double-cab bakkie.

A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of 33 rolls of dagga weighing approximately 125.2kg, with an estimated street value of R750,000.

The dagga and vehicle were seized as part of the ongoing investigation.

In a separate incident on Thursday, October 22, police arrested another Eswatini national in Carolina after finding approximately 200kg of dagga valued at R1.2 million.

Police were patrolling Voortrekker Street at about 5.20am when they noticed a grey Volkswagen Golf TSI with tinted windows that they considered suspicious.

When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver allegedly fled towards Wonderfontein Road, prompting a pursuit.

Police intercepted the vehicle near the Belfast turn-off, where a search uncovered a large quantity of dagga concealed inside.

The driver was arrested and charged with dealing in dagga. The vehicle and drugs were confiscated for further investigation.

The suspects are expected to appear in the Piet Retief and Carolina magistrates’ courts, respectively, in due course, according to the police statement.

Mpumalanga provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise commended the officers for their vigilance and swift response.

Modise said police would continue intensifying intelligence-driven operations and patrols to disrupt the illegal drug trade and prevent drugs from reaching communities.

The arrests form part of the police’s Safer Festive Season operations aimed at strengthening law enforcement and improving public safety.