FREE STATE — Law enforcement officials have arrested two suspects in connection with a significant dagga dealing operation in the Willows suburb of Bloemfontein. The arrests, which resulted in the seizure of cannabis and related by-products with an estimated street value of R77,400, highlight ongoing efforts to combat the illegal drug trade in the area.
Members of the Public Order Police Unit’s Bloemfontein Platoon 8 were executing targeted interventions under Operation Shanela II. During a routine stop-and-search activity in the area known as the Banda on King Edward Street, officers searched a group of young males. The search yielded rolled zols and zip-lock plastics containing dagga in their possession. Following this discovery, the individuals provided police with the specific address where the narcotics were being actively sold.
Acting on the intelligence, the police team arrived at the targeted residence and had to tactically breach a locked door to enter. The raid led to the immediate apprehension of two suspects, aged 26 and 27. The first suspect was caught mid-escape while attempting to flee through a bathroom window. The second suspect was detained just as he was about to open a dog kennel housing pit bulls on the property.
A subsequent search of the premises uncovered a massive stash of dagga and dagga by-products, packaged and priced for street-level distribution. Spokespersons for the Public Order Police Unit confirmed that the suspects failed to produce any valid permits for the possession, cultivation, or sale of the substances.
The seized inventory was meticulously cataloged by officers and included:
– 472 small, colourful zip bags priced at R20 each
– 240 alternative zip bags priced at R10 each
– 361 transparent zip-lock plastics priced at R20 each
– 2,400 ready-made zols priced at R10 each
– 80 colourful zols priced at R30 each
– 15 medium zip bags priced at R50 each
– 34 small packages priced at R35 each
– A quantity of dagga oil
All confiscated dagga and by-products were counted and sealed in evidence bags in the presence of the two suspects. Officers also seized cash presumed to be the direct proceeds from the illegal drug sales.
A case docket for dealing in dagga has been officially opened at the Parkweg Police Station. The two accused are expected to appear before the Bloemfontein Magistrates’ Court soon to face charges.
