By Thapelo Molefe
The Border Management Authority (BMA) has intercepted nearly one tonne of suspected dagga, R1.9 million worth of suspected smuggled tobacco products and substances suspected to be heroin worth more than R2 million in a series of operations over the past week.
The seizures were made along strategic routes in Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal and at OR Tambo International Airport.
The largest seizure took place on Friday, when BMA officials working with the South African Police Service (SAPS) seized about 991.5kg of suspected dagga at the Baobab Toll Plaza in Limpopo.
Officials stopped a white Toyota Hilux travelling towards the Beitbridge Port of Entry, about 51km from the border post.
The vehicle had two male occupants who identified themselves as Tanzanian nationals.
The occupants told officials they did not have the keys to the padlock securing the vehicle’s canopy. The vehicle was then escorted to the Beitbridge Port of Entry for further inspection.
BMA and SAPS officials opened the canopy in the presence of the occupants and found 33 bags containing suspected dagga.
The suspected dagga has an estimated street value of R1.5 million.
The two men were arrested and handed over to SAPS for further investigation. A criminal case was opened at Musina SAPS.
In KwaZulu-Natal, BMA law-enforcement officials intercepted a truck carrying suspected illicit tobacco products worth about R1.9 million on September 18.
The truck was stopped along the R22, about 5km from the Kosi Bay Port of Entry.
Officials found 150 master cases of Afzal-flavoured hookah tobacco and 50 bags of Vimal Guktha chewing tobacco concealed beneath a load of beans.
The driver, a Mozambican national, told officials that the consignment was destined for Durban.
Following consultations with the KwaZulu-Natal SAPS Provincial Counterfeit Unit, the consignment was booked at Manguzi SAPS.
A formal inquiry docket was registered and the matter was referred to the Provincial Counterfeit Unit.
The BMA said the products were suspected to have been smuggled from India through Mozambique into South Africa, based on their foreign labelling and health warnings.
The BMA also supported SAPS in an intelligence-led operation at OR Tambo International Airport, 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 man arrived on a flight from Accra, Ghana, on Sunday and was intercepted by law-enforcement officials.
A search of his luggage uncovered bullet-like objects and blocks containing substances suspected to be heroin.
He is expected to appear in the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court on drug trafficking-related charges, while investigations continue.
According to SAPS, the arrest brings the number of suspected drug mules arrested at OR Tambo International Airport to three in the past three weeks.
BMA Commissioner Michael Masiapato said the seizures highlighted the importance of cooperation between law-enforcement agencies.
“These operations demonstrate the importance of sustained law-enforcement visibility, intelligence sharing and coordinated interventions along our borders and strategic routes,” Masiapato said.
“The BMA will continue to work closely with SAPS and other law-enforcement partners to identify and disrupt illicit movements and prevent prohibited goods from entering or moving through the country.”
The BMA said it would continue strengthening enforcement along strategic routes and at ports of entry to disrupt illicit trade and protect South Africa’s borders.
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