Two men arrested after 180kg dagga seizure in Mpumalanga

Two men from foreign countries have been apprehended by the South African police after a massive haul of about 180kg of marijuana, valued at roughly R1 million, was discovered during a crime-fighting operation in the town of Morgenzon, Mpumalanga. The arrest took place on Thursday morning, around 8:30 am, when officers from the Morgenzon SAPS and the Secunda Flying Squad intercepted a white Volkswagen Golf on the R39 Road.

The men, aged 30 and 40, were pulled over as the vehicle, registered in Mpumalanga, was being searched. Police found 21 bags of marijuana hidden inside the car. Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, a spokesperson for Mpumalanga police, stated that the weight of the confiscated weed amounted to approximately 180 kilograms, with an estimated street value of R1 million.

Both suspects were arrested at the scene, and the seized marijuana was taken as part of the ongoing investigation. Preliminary findings revealed that both individuals were foreign nationals. Authorities are currently collaborating with the Department of Home Affairs to verify their immigration status and determine if they are legally residing in South Africa.

Police have assured the public that they are working closely with officials from the Department of Home Affairs to ascertain the suspects' legal status in the country. The two men are expected to face charges of dealing in dagga and will appear before the Standerton Magistrate’s Court at a later date. Mpumalanga's provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise, commended the officers involved in the operation for their successful arrest and seizure.

She also thanked them for their teamwork and warned criminals that police would continue to intensify their efforts to make Mpumalanga a crime-free province.