BMA seizes nearly 1 tonne of suspected dagga, R1.9m tobacco and R2m heroin

The Border Management Authority (BMA) says it recorded several law-enforcement successes over the past week, including the seizure of nearly one tonne of suspected dagga, illicit tobacco products worth about R1.9 million and suspected heroin valued at more than R2 million.

In the biggest seizure, BMA officials working with the South African Police Service (SAPS) intercepted 991.5kg of suspected dagga, worth an estimated R1.5 million, at the Baobab Toll Plaza in Limpopo on 18 September.

Officials stopped a Toyota Hilux travelling towards the Beitbridge Port of Entry. The two occupants, who identified themselves as Tanzanian nationals, were unable to produce keys for a padlocked canopy.

The vehicle was escorted to the Beitbridge port, where officials found 33 bags containing the suspected dagga. The two men were arrested and handed over to SAPS. A case was opened at Musina SAPS.

Also on 18 September, BMA officials intercepted a truck carrying suspected illicit tobacco products worth R1.9 million along the R22, about 5km from the Kosi Bay Port of Entry in KwaZulu-Natal.

The truck, which had Mozambican registration plates, was carrying 150 master cases of Afzal flavoured hookah tobacco and 50 bags of Vimal Guktha chewing tobacco, concealed beneath beans. The Mozambican driver said the consignment was destined for Durban.

Meanwhile, BMA officials supported SAPS in an intelligence-led operation at OR Tambo International Airport on 20 September, resulting in the arrest of a 52-year-old South African man and the seizure of substances suspected to be heroin worth more than R2 million.

The suspect had arrived from Accra, Ghana. He is expected to appear in the Kempton Park Magistrates' Court on drug trafficking-related charges.