BMA Seizes Nearly A Tonne Of Suspected Dagga, Tobacco And Heroin Worth Millions
The Border Management Authority (BMA) has intercepted nearly one tonne of suspected dagga, illicit tobacco products worth R1.9 million and suspected heroin valued at more than R2 million in a series of operations across South Africa.
On Friday, 18 September, BMA officials working with SAPS seized about 991.5kg of suspected dagga, valued at R1.5 million, at the Baobab Toll Plaza in Limpopo. Two Tanzanian nationals were arrested after the drugs were allegedly found in 33 bags concealed inside a Toyota Hilux.
In KwaZulu-Natal, officials intercepted a Mozambican-registered truck near the Kosi Bay Port of Entry carrying 150 master cases of flavoured hookah tobacco and 50 bags of chewing tobacco, valued at R1.9 million. The products were allegedly concealed beneath a load of beans.
At OR Tambo International Airport, a 52-year-old South African man was arrested after arriving from Accra, Ghana. Police, supported by the BMA, allegedly found bullet-like objects and blocks containing substances suspected to be heroin worth more than R2 million in his luggage. He is expected to face drug-trafficking-related charges in the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court.
SAPS said the arrest was the third suspected drug-mule case recorded at OR Tambo in three weeks.
BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato commended law-enforcement officials and partners, saying continued intelligence sharing and coordinated operations were important in disrupting the movement of illicit goods.
