Police and farmers nab suspects in R500,000 dagga seizure in Thabazimbi
Police and farmers nab suspects in R500,000 dagga seizure in Thabazimbi! A joint operation between the Thabazimbi South African Police Service (SAPS) and local farmers in Koedoeskop led to the arrest of two Zimbabwean nationals and the seizure of dagga valued at approximately R500,000.
According to SAPS spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, the intelligence-driven operation took place on Thursday around 10:00 in the Koedoeskop area.
Suspects Intercepted with Large Dagga Haul
Ledwaba stated that police received credible information on the suspects’ location and acted swiftly. The suspects were intercepted while traveling in a white Scania truck with two trailers.
“Upon approaching the vehicle, the driver and a female passenger were stopped, and the vehicle was searched,” Ledwaba explained.
During the search, authorities found the trailers loaded with 106 small bags of dagga, 10 large bags of dagga, and two refuse bags containing loose dagga. The total weight of the seized dagga was approximately 148.5 kg, with an estimated street value of R500,000.
Both the truck and the dagga were confiscated as evidence.
Provincial Commissioner Praises Successful Operation
Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, the Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, commended the police and farmers for the successful operation and the recovery of the drugs.
The two male suspects, aged 25 and 39, are expected to appear before the local magistrate’s court soon on charges of possession and dealing in dagga.
Ledwaba confirmed that further investigations are ongoing to determine if the suspects are linked to any larger drug-trafficking syndicates.
Gauteng Police Dismantle Online Drug Syndicate
In an unrelated case, the Gauteng SAPS successfully dismantled a drug syndicate involved in selling steroids, scheduled medicines, stimulants, and other performance-enhancing drugs online.
Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk, police spokesperson for Gauteng SAPS, confirmed that six suspects—three men and three women—were arrested at various locations in Pretoria.
Multi-Agency Operation Uncovers Illegal Online Drug Trade
The takedown operation, which took place on Tuesday, followed extensive investigations by the SAPS National Organised Crime Investigations Narcotics Unit, with support from other law enforcement entities.
Van Wyk explained the nature of the syndicate’s operation: “The suspects were reportedly running an online website to trade and distribute counterfeit and illicit performance-enhancing drugs, scheduled medicines, steroids, and stimulants.”
Forensic analysis of the seized products revealed that some of them contained dangerous and prohibited substances.
Prohibited Substances in “Fat Burner” Products
Van Wyk highlighted that one of the products, marketed online as a “fat burner,” contained Dimethylphenethylamine, an isomer of methamphetamine (commonly known as crystal meth or Tik).
“This substance poses significant health risks to users, particularly when consumed without medical supervision,” van Wyk noted.
Evidence Seized as Investigation Continues
During the arrests, police seized a substantial quantity of counterfeit and illicit performance-enhancing drugs, steroids, scheduled medicine, stimulants, and electronic devices used in the online operation.
“The suspects are expected to appear before a magistrate’s court later this week as investigations continue,” van Wyk confirmed.
Ongoing Efforts to Combat Drug Trafficking
These two recent operations reflect the SAPS’s ongoing commitment to cracking down on drug trafficking and the illegal distribution of dangerous substances. Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to drug sales or distribution.
With the combined efforts of law enforcement and community members, authorities hope to make significant strides in addressing drug-related crimes in both rural and urban areas.
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