Taxi-load of dagga found
The 164.7kg of dagga has a street value estimated at R328 000.
A 41-year-old man, who was arrested with a staggering 164.7kg of dagga in his possession, yesterday morning (Tuesday), later allegedly boasted to police that he will “be released in no time.”
According to information received from Brakpan police, the man is a seasoned dagga dealer who has three previous arrests under his belt for dealing in the drug.
His latest run-in with the law took place during a routine stop-and-search operation conducted by members of the Gauteng Traffic Police’s Saturation Unit (a crime combating unit).
The operation was held along the corner of Ergo Road and 17th Road, Vulcania South, at about 6am.
“The members pulled over a white Toyota Quantum minibus taxi, with two male occupants,” said Capt Peet van der Schyff, from the Brakpan SAPS.
It is believed that the taxi’s passenger asked the members if he could relieve himself and then ran away.
“The members then searched the vehicle and discovered 14 bags of dagga,” said van der Schyff.
The dagga, which has an estimated street value of about R328 000, was found dried and ready for sale, in 13 large plastic maize meal bags and one refuse bag.
The taxi was apparently “packed to the roof” with the bags and no attempt had been made to conceal the illegal cargo.
It was also found that some of the bags had addresses written on them with permanent marker.
“The driver was searched and an amount of R19 350 was found on him,” continued van der Schyff.
“He was arrested and the cash, dagga and a cellphone were seized.”
The taxi, which allegedly belongs to the man, was impounded.
The suspect was brought to the Brakpan Police Station, where it was established he had previous arrests for dealing in dagga, the most recent of which was in the Free State, in September, last year, as well as for driving without a licence and business burglary.
Police also discovered that the man has two places of residence, one in Katlehong and another in KwaZulu-Natal.
The SAPS believe he was en route to deliver some of the dagga when he was stopped and arrested.
“Some of the addresses on the bags indicated areas such as Springs and Daveyton, while others are in a code that only the suspect understands,” said van der Schyff.
He added that further investigations will be conducted.
Brakpan police lauded the Gauteng Traffic Police’s Saturation Unit for the success.
The man, who faces charges of dealing in dagga, was due to appear in the Brakpan Magistrates Court today (Wednesday).
