The drugs were stashed underneath the tomatoes.
Image: SAPS
Police in Mpumalanga got more than they bargained for after a routine stop-and-search resulted in the recovery of over 100kg of drugs.
The stop-and-search operations were conducted along the N4 by members of the White River Flying Squad.
The provincial police spokesperson, Sergeant Thulisile Magagula, said officers spotted a white Ford Ranger with Gauteng registration travelling past Kaapmuiden towards Mbombela.
“The members, together with other crews, followed the vehicle and instructed the driver to stop. The driver complied and pulled over to the side of the road. The members approached the driver and requested permission to search the vehicle,” Magagula said.
The dagga seized by police.
Image: SAPS
However, during the search, officers got more than they bargained for.
“During the search, members found tomatoes loaded in the back of the vehicle. Upon further inspection underneath the tomatoes, they discovered dagga wrapped in yellow cellotape. A total of 56 plastic bags, each weighing approximately 2kg, were confiscated, with a combined weight of approximately 111.68kg and an estimated street value of R670,080,” Magagula said.
Four suspects, two men and two women, were arrested for dealing in dagga.
The group appeared in the Barberton Magistrate’s Court earlier this week and was granted bail.
Police said their investigation remains ongoing.
In a separate incident, the White River Flying Squad recovered a hijacked vehicle after information about the silver-grey VW Polo was received from a tracking company.
Police said the vehicle, which had a Mpumalanga registration, had been hijacked at gunpoint by two gunmen.
“The vehicle was reportedly hijacked at Shatale under the Bushbuckridge policing area. Police went on a lookout for the vehicle and found it abandoned in the middle of the road without keys at Malubane (Ma “F” Section).
The vehicle was subsequently towed to the Nelspruit Vehicle Identification Section (VIS) for further investigation and safekeeping. Investigations are ongoing,” Magagula said.
Police urge anyone with information that may assist in apprehending the suspects or advancing the investigation to contact Sergeant Detective Mduduzi Nkambule at 082 220 8370 or call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111.
Alternatively, information may be submitted via the MySAPS App.
All information received will be treated with the strictest confidentiality, and callers may choose to remain anonymous.
robin.francke@iol.co.za
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