Mpumalanga police seize 170.6kg of dagga, arrest suspect in R1m bust

Mpumalanga police have seized approximately 170.6 kilograms of dagga and arrested a 36-year-old suspect after stopping a bakkie on the R38 Road during a routine operation. The haul, found concealed inside the vehicle, is reported to have an estimated street value of more than R1 million.

Stop‑and‑search uncovers 13 bags of dagga

Police spokesperson Captain Mpho Nonyane-Mpe said officers stopped and searched a white Nissan GD-6 single-cab bakkie, where they discovered thirteen bags containing dagga concealed inside the vehicle. The drug weighed approximately 170.6 kilograms and had an estimated street value of more than R1 million.

The suspect was handcuffed during the stop-and-search, arrested and charged with dealing in dagga. All exhibits were confiscated and booked in accordance with South African Police Service procedures, the spokesperson said. Investigations are continuing.

Court appearance and police response

The accused is expected to appear before the Barberton Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 19 June 2026, to face a charge of dealing in dagga.

“Operations aimed at disrupting the drug trade will continue across the province as we work tirelessly to protect communities from the harmful effects of illicit substances,”

said Acting Provincial Commissioner of Saps in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, who commended members for their vigilance and commitment.

Separate Limpopo operation

In a separate incident in Limpopo, an intelligence-driven operation along the R531 Road between Klaserie and Snake Park in Hoedspruit resulted in the seizure of dagga with an estimated street value of approximately R3 million and the arrest of six suspects.

Police and Farm Watch members intercepted three vehicles travelling towards Tzaneen. During searches, they recovered a substantial quantity of dagga, including fourteen large bags and twenty smaller bags. Three motor vehicles allegedly used in the commission of the crime were seized for further investigation, according to police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba.

What happens next

Both matters remain under investigation as police continue operations aimed at disrupting drug trafficking in the provinces.