MBABANE – A 32-year-old Eswatini national has been arrested in South Africa after police found 61.95 kilogrammes of dagga worth an estimated R100 000 (E100 000) at a residence in Botshabelo.
A press statement by the South African Police Service (SAPS) said the suspect was arrested on Tuesday night during an intelligence-driven operation conducted by members of the Botshabelo Crime Prevention Unit.
South African police said the operation was carried out at about 8:30pm in Section G, Botshabelo, after officers followed information that led them to the residence where the suspect was staying.
The dagga was seized during the operation and is estimated to have a street value of R100 000.
The Eswatini national faces charges of possession and dealing in dagga, as well as contravening South Africa’s Immigration Act 13 of 2002.
The arrest was made under Operation Shanela II, a South African crime-fighting operation targeting criminal activities through intelligence-led policing.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Botshabelo Magistrate’s Court.
The police said investigations into the matter were continuing.
Meanwhile, a similar operation against illegal dagga farming is ongoing in Eswatini, where over 1000 hectares have been destroyed by the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) since July this year.
Leave a comment