According to Imran Ghafoor of the Newcastle Crime Fighter’s Task Team (CCPA), the operation was spearheaded by the Vryheid SAPS and included the assistance of the Newcastle SAPS K9 Unit, SAPS KZN Crime Intelligence, Newcastle SAPS Stabilisation Unit, Irthemba Security Services, Newcastle CCPA, Utrecht SAPS, Ingogo SAPS, and AfriForum Neighbourhood Watch.
“These teams together gathered intelligence that indicated that the suspects were travelling from Swaziland in two separate vehicles, both loaded with bales of dagga,” he said.
Acting on the information, the teams set up strategic ‘checkpoints’ as well as a roadblock along the R34.
As the vehicle approached the roadblock near Newcastle, one of the drivers noticed the SAPS and attempted to flee by making a U-turn and trying to head back towards Urecht.
“A high-speed chase ensued between law enforcement and the suspect. He, however, lost control of his vehicle and veered off the road into a farmer’s property.”
The suspect attempted to flee on foot, but police quickly apprehended and arrested him.
The second vehicle, however, stopped, and two suspects were apprehended.
The arrest resulted in the recovery of seven bales of dagga, weighing a total of 126.44 kg. Furthermore, both vehicles were confiscated, as well as a gas pistol.
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