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Large numbers of illegal dagga and cigarettes have been confiscated by police deployed in cross-border blockages between the Eastern and Western Cape as part of the effort by the South African Police Service (SAPS) to eradicate drug trafficking across borders.
Police spokesman Capt. Malcolm Pojie said: “It is clear that drug traffickers are still exploring alternative ways to commit their illegal activities in an attempt to evade arrest.”
Pojie said Tuesday morning, around 6.50 a.m., police discovered eight boxes filled with 50 cartons of cigarettes worth an estimated R200,000 hidden under a load of pineapples in a Ford Bakkie.
Pojie said the vehicle was registered by police at a roadblock at the Tsitsikamma toll gate, adding that the bakkie was en route from the city of Grahams to George.
“A vigilant member connected to the Tsitsikamma K-9, the Knysna Dog Unit, which was deployed at the roadblock, noticed that the driver seemed anxious. As a result, he stopped the vehicle and continued with a routine search. When the member moved some of the pineapples aside on the back of the bakkie, he discovered 8 boxes filled with 50 cartons of cigarettes at the estimated value of approximately R200,000, these boxes were hidden under the load of pineapples.
“The 30-year-old man was arrested on the spot and the illicit cigarettes were confiscated. The suspect was processed at the Plettenberg Bay police station and issued a summons to appear in Plettenberg Magistrates Court at a later date and time. The illicit cigarettes were destined for distribution in George.
“This confiscation follows similar actions taken in Ladismith, Kannaland, on Friday May 8, 2020, where members confiscated an amount of 450 illicit cigarettes at the estimated value of R5,000.
“A 35-year-old man received a subpoena and chose to pay a fine of R2,000 and was released,” said Pojie.
Under Level 4 closure, the sale of cigarettes and tobacco products is prohibited.
In a separate incident on Monday morning, SAPS members deployed at a road block on R62 in the Langkloof area stopped a Mercedes Benz vehicle en route from the East to the Western Cape, which was searched and inside From the trunk of the vehicle, three bags full of dagga were found, Pojie said.
“The dagga weighing 63.1 kg is estimated to be worth approximately R85,000.
After the find, members confiscated the dagga and the vehicle used to transport the shipment. The 26-year-old suspect was arrested on the spot and detained in the Uniondale detention cells. He is expected to appear for the first time in George Magistrates’ court. [on] Wednesday May 13, 2020. He was charged with illegal drug possession, ”said Pojie.
Eden Cluster Commander General Gen. Oswald Reddy congratulated the members involved in the mentioned busts for their vigilance and commitment to eradicate the transportation and distribution of contraband in the province and region.
“Their high level of commitment to dedication in difficult circumstances is exemplary of the caliber officers we want to deploy to safeguard communities,” said Reddy.
Pojie added: “This level of operations will be maintained at all times in an effort to eradicate the scourge of drug abuse and trafficking.”
(Compiled by Makhosandile Zulu)
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