Two Tanzanian nationals were arrested on March 14 for possession of R2.5-million worth of cannabis on the N12 off-ramp in Edenvale.
Captain Lloyd Ramovha, Hawks spokesperson, said this comes after an intelligence-focused operation on March 14 when law enforcement officers noticed the suspects in a Toyota Hilux bakkie transporting a heavy load.
“The Hawks’ South African Narcotics Bureau unit (SANEB), in cooperation with Crime Intelligence (CI), and Technical Response Team (TRT) stopped and searched the vehicle,” said Ramovha.
He said that the vehicle was en route from Swaziland.
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Officers searched the vehicle and found several neatly packaged bags of cannabis that were reportedly destined for the local street market.
“The pair is expected to answer to charges of dealing in cannabis during their scheduled first court appearance,” said Ramovha.
He said that the two suspects, aged 22 and 30, were to appear in the Germiston Magistrate’s Court on March 18.
On February 19, Ramovha said that Patrick Bongumenzi Thwala was convicted by the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court for charges of dealing in cannabis valued at approximately R2.6 million.
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Ramovha said that the cannabis recovered also originated from Swaziland.
“The court has sentenced Thwala to four and eight years concurrent prison terms for both charges, suspended for five years, with an option of a R20 000 fine provided he is not found guilty of a similar offence during the period of suspension,” said Ramovha.
