Princess Sibanda
BEITBRIDGE — Nearly one tonne of suspected dagga, worth an estimated R1.5 million, has been seized by South African authorities along the Beitbridge corridor.
The Border Management Authority (BMA), working with the South African Police Service (SAPS), intercepted approximately 991.5 kg of the suspected drug at the Baobab Toll Plaza in Limpopo on September 18.
The operation, conducted about 51 kilometres from the Beitbridge Port of Entry, resulted in the arrest of two Tanzanian nationals who were travelling in a Toyota Hilux towards Beitbridge.
According to the BMA, the vehicle was escorted to the port of entry after the occupants failed to produce the keys to a padlocked canopy.
A subsequent inspection uncovered 33 bags containing suspected dagga.
The suspects were handed over to the SAPS, and a criminal case was opened at Musina Police Station.
The seizure was among several enforcement successes recorded by the BMA during the week, including the interception of suspected illicit tobacco products worth R1.9 million in KwaZulu-Natal and heroin worth more than R2 million at OR Tambo International Airport.
BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato commended officers and law enforcement partners for their continued cooperation in disrupting illicit trade and strengthening border security.
