DELMAS — A targeted Delmas dagga arrest operation along the N12 freeway has led to the confiscation of over 20 kilograms of illegal narcotics and the detention of two men. The swift multi-agency intervention highlights ongoing law enforcement efforts to curb drug trafficking routes in the province.
The joint operation commenced early Sunday morning, 25 October 2026, when task teams received intelligence at approximately 05:00 regarding a white Nissan NP300 suspected of transporting illicit substances across the N4 and N12 routes. The collaborative effort included members from the Nkangala Anti-Hijacking Task Team, the Middelburg Flying Squad, the Middelburg K9 Unit, and local Delmas Detectives.
Acting on the tip-off, officers monitored the freeways and successfully intercepted the matching vehicle near Delmas at around 06:00. The vehicle was carrying two male occupants, aged 32 and 40.
Upon conducting a thorough search of the Nissan NP300, law enforcement officers discovered a highly concealed cache of drugs. Investigators found two bags wrapped in brown tape stashed on the passenger side and inside the engine compartment. Additionally, several packets were strategically hidden underneath the vehicle and secured with wire. To confirm the presence of narcotics, the Middelburg K9 Unit was called to the scene, where the police dog positively alerted to the scent of dagga.
The comprehensive search yielded a total of nine bags, weighing approximately 20.7 kilograms. Authorities estimated the street value of the seized dagga at R40,500. In addition to the narcotics, the white Nissan NP300 used to facilitate the alleged crime was impounded as evidence.
The two suspects have been formally charged with possession of and dealing in dagga. They are scheduled to make their first appearance at the Delmas Magistrate’s Court in the near future.
Commending the successful operation, the Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise, praised the officers involved. Lieutenant General Modise highlighted the team’s swift response, seamless collaboration, and unwavering vigilance, noting that these combined efforts were instrumental in executing the arrests and removing a significant quantity of drugs from the streets.
