A 32-year-old dagga dealer from Swaziland was arrested before reaching his destination on Friday.
He was found in possession of 2,6 kg dagga worth an estimated value of R2 500 which was destined to a potential client in Mbombela.
Mr Nkosinathi Siwela briefly appeared in the Eerstehoek Magistrate’s Court on charges of dagga dealing. He was remanded in custody. The case was postponed to November 6.
According to Sgt Peace Mbokane, the man’s trip from Ndzingeni area in Swaziland to Mbombela was cut short during a stop and search operation conducted by Elukwatini police together with members of the SANDF based in Zonstraal Military Base outside Elukwatini.
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“The suspect was arrested when a taxi coming from Ekulindeni was stopped and searched by the law enforcers who found him carrying a blue bag containing two plastic bags with compressed dagga. He told police that he was on his way to deliver the dagga to a loyal client in Mbombela coming from Ndzingeni area in Swaziland,” explained Mbokane.
He added that the suspect pleaded with the police to leave him as it was his first attempt to deliver dagga to his clients who often fetch the dagga themselves from Swaziland.
Mbokane said most drug dealers smuggle dagga into the country through illegal entry ports around Ekulindeni and Elukwatini.
“We hope that this arrest will send a clear message that we are ready for the festive season, which is a busy season for smugglers,” he adds.
