LIMPOPO PROVINCIAL TASK TEAM HITS HARD ON ILLICIT CIGARETTES AND DRUG TRADE

The Provincial Task team members have arrested a 48-year-old suspect for possession and dealing in drugs and confiscated illicit cigarettes worth thousands of rands in separate incidents during an intelligence driven operation conducted on Monday, 11 March 2024.

The operation, stemming from extensive gathering of information and targeting hotspots and hideouts in Makhado and Botlokwa policing precinct, resulted in successful arrest and confiscation.

The team followed information about a suspect driving a VW loaded with illicit cigarettes heading towards Tshikombani village in Makhado policing area. The vehicle was tactically stopped between Witvlaag and Maelula village. The unknown suspect managed to escape, and the vehicle was found loaded with 11 boxes of illicit cigarettes with the estimated street value of over R200 000, 00. The illicit cigarettes and motor vehicles were seized for further investigation.

The team pounced on another suspect in Botlokwa for possession and dealing in dagga. The 48-year-old male suspect was found in possession of 212 sachets of dagga with the estimated street value of almost R1500,00 at his residence in Mokomeni village

“This decisive action underscores the relentless commitment of the SAPS to dismantle the networks that fuel illegal activities within our communities,” stated provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe

Police are still on the hunt for the suspect involved in the illicit cigarette incident.

Meanwhile, the 48-year-old suspect will appear before Morebeng Magistrate’s Court in due course facing charges of possession and dealing in drugs.