In the early hours of Monday, July 1, 2024, members of the Bloemfontein Highway Patrol made a significant drug bust on the N1 highway near Trompsburg, demonstrating what local authorities describe as "the authority of the state."
This was disclosed in a media statement released by the South African Police Service, Office of the Provincial Commissioner Free State on Monday.
According to the statement, at approximately 02:45, patrol officers conducting routine stop-and-search operations spotted a suspicious vehicle - a white Toyota Hilux bakkie with a canopy, bearing Gauteng (GP) registration plates. The vehicle was traveling in the direction of Colesberg.
"They followed the vehicle and managed to safely stop it near a farm still on the N1," the South African Police Service (SAPS) statement reported.
Upon stopping the vehicle, two male occupants exited the bakkie. As officers conducted their search, they made a startling discovery. "Members found 12 compressed dagga packages sealed with brown sello tape, worth an estimated R1.7 million," the SAPS revealed.
The statement added that following the discovery, both suspects - aged 23 and 25 - were promptly arrested on charges of dealing in dagga. In addition to the drug-related offense, the driver faced an extra charge. The police statement noted, "Members added another charge of driving without a driver's licence, as the driver did not have a driving licence with him."
The suspects are expected to appear in the Springfontein Magistrate Court in the near future to face these charges.
This incident underscores the ongoing efforts of South African law enforcement to combat drug trafficking on major transportation routes. The substantial value of the seized dagga - estimated at R1.7 million - highlights the scale of the illegal drug trade that authorities are working to curb.
The successful operation also demonstrates the effectiveness of regular patrols and stop-and-search tactics employed by highway patrol units in intercepting drug shipments and other illegal activities on South Africa's roads.
Source: https://www.saps.gov.za/newsroom/msspeechdetail.php?nid=54114