Limpopo Drug Haul: Police Seize Dagga and Codeine Worth R2 Million

Truck intercepted near Lephalale

Police in Limpopo arrested two men after intercepting a truck loaded with dagga and codeine-based syrups valued at more than R2 million. The bust took place on Saturday along the R510 road to Lephalale.

The suspects, identified as Cuthbert Derera (30) and Wishborn Fufa (39), were arrested on the spot after officers discovered 40 bales of dagga worth R1.5 million and boxes of Benylin with codeine, BronCleer, and Astra Pain syrups estimated at R500,000.

Both men appeared in the Thabazimbi Magistrate’s Court on Monday on charges of possession of dagga and contravening the Medicines and Related Substances Act. Their case was postponed to September 22 for a formal bail application.

Police praise swift action

Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba confirmed that the operation was carried out by teams from Northam SAPS, Thabazimbi SAPS, and Zimbi security after a tip-off.

“The truck driver and his crew were asked to step out while the vehicle was searched. The suspects could not provide proof of the origin of the goods,” Ledwaba said.

Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, Limpopo’s provincial commissioner, commended officers for their vigilance. “This shows our determination to stop harmful substances from circulating in communities,” she said.

Codeine misuse under spotlight

The bust has once again drawn attention to South Africa’s growing problem with codeine misuse. Benylin with codeine and other cough syrups have become a popular but dangerous street drug, particularly among young people.

The SA Pharmacy Council (SAPC) previously raised alarms about the issue, noting that misuse of over-the-counter and prescription medication causes addiction, health problems, and even death. According to the SA Demographic and Health Survey, about 2 percent of respondents admitted abusing codeine-based medicines.

Professor Mano Chetty, former SAPC president, warned that codeine abuse disrupts lives across age groups and contributes to drug-resistant illnesses. “Medicines must be used wisely to ensure they work as intended and do not cause further harm,” he said.

Local concern

Residents in Limpopo have expressed frustration that cough syrups, intended for medical relief, are being trafficked and abused. On community pages, several people called for stricter regulation and harsher sentences for offenders, saying the misuse of codeine is destroying families and fueling addiction in schools and townships.

With this latest bust, police and regulators are hoping to clamp down on both large-scale smuggling and everyday misuse. But as cases like this show, the demand for codeine continues to fuel the trade.

{Source: IOL}

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