South African police have intensified anti-drug operations after confiscating cannabis worth more than R158 000 in two separate incidents linked to suspected drug trafficking activities.
The operations, carried out in Mpumalanga and Limpopo over the past few days, resulted in the arrest of five suspects and the recovery of large quantities of cannabis believed to be destined for local distribution networks.
Police said the first operation took place on Wednesday night near Mahamba along the N2 Road, where officers conducted a stop-and-search operation as part of routine crime-prevention patrols.
Authorities intercepted a white Toyota Venture carrying KwaZulu-Natal registration plates while it was travelling toward Newcastle.
Cannabis Shipment Intercepted On N2 Road
According to police reports, officers searched the vehicle shortly after 10pm and discovered 15 rolls of cannabis plants hidden inside the Toyota.
The confiscated drugs weighed approximately 25.5kg and were estimated to have a street value exceeding R15 000.
Five men between the ages of 30 and 34 were immediately arrested and charged with possession and dealing in cannabis.
The suspects are expected to appear before the Piet Retief Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
Police said operations targeting drug trafficking and organised criminal activity in the Mahamba policing area would continue as authorities attempt to curb the movement of illegal narcotics through major transport routes.
Drug trafficking remains a persistent challenge in several South African provinces, where police frequently intercept cannabis shipments transported between provincial borders.
Community Tip-Off Leads To Second Drug Seizure
In a separate incident in Polokwane, Limpopo police worked alongside the Community Policing Forum (CPF) after residents reported suspected drug dealing activity near the corner of Viljoen and General Maritz streets.
The Provincial CPF Board Chairperson, Frans Kgasago, joined members of the SAPS Organised Crime Unit during the operation conducted on Thursday morning.
Authorities later located an unidentified male suspect at a public park in Bendor.
However, police said the suspect fled on foot after spotting officers approaching the area. Despite a brief chase, the man managed to evade arrest.
Although the suspect escaped, officers recovered cannabis plants at the scene with an estimated street value of R5 000.
Investigations are continuing as police work to identify and locate the suspect.
Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe praised the collaboration between SAPS and local community policing structures, describing it as an important weapon against drug-related crime.
Hadebe encouraged residents to continue sharing information with law enforcement agencies, saying strong cooperation between communities and police remains critical in building safer neighbourhoods.
Source: SAPS
