A 63-year-old Mozambican national has been arrested in possession of heroine and crystal meth (also known as tik in SA) worth R32m.
According to the Mpumalanga police, the man, who was driving a Toyota bakkie from Mozambique to SA, was stopped by police and members of the SA Revenue Service (Sars) at the Lebombo border post when the drugs were found.
“According to information received, the suspect was travelling from Mozambique to South Africa when his vehicle was stopped for processing by members from the South African Police Service and South African Revenue Service Customs during a joint routine operation.
"The two formations then thoroughly searched the vehicle, a white double cab Toyota bakkie, and found about 136kg of suspected heroine as well as 19kg of suspected crystal meth worth a combined value of about R32-million. The drugs were found stashed underneath charcoal which was loaded at the back of the bakkie,” Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brig Leonard Hlathi said.
The man is expected to appear in the Komatipoort magistrate's court on Wednesday, facing charges of possession of drugs.
Sars provincial manager at the Lebombo border post Memory Ndou thanked the collaboration between the SAPS and Sars for the arrest.
“This success was achieved through a joint intervention between SAPS and Sars. Continuously collaborating as law enforcement agencies ensures the execution of the mandate as well as protects the economy and the people,” Ndou said.
Acting provincial commissioner of the police, Maj-Gen Thulani Phahla, applauded the team work at the border. "We appreciate the working relationship between SAPS and Sars at the border as it always yields positive results,” Phahla said.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.