Share

WATCH | 63-year-old man arrested at Lebombo border post in R32m drug bust

accreditation
0:00
play article
Subscribers can listen to this article
  • Mpumalanga police said the 63-year-old suspect was travelling from Mozambique to South Africa.
  • Police discovered 136 kilograms of suspected heroine as well as 19 kilograms of suspected crystal meth worth a combined value of about R32 million.
  • The 63-year-old man is expected to appear in court on Wednesday.

A 63-year Mozambican national is expected to appear in the Komatipoort Magistrate's Court on Wednesday for alleged possession of drugs worth R32 million.

The man was arrested on Tuesday at the Lebombo border post.

Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier Leonard Hlathi said the suspect was travelling from Mozambique to South Africa.

"His vehicle was stopped for processing by members from the South African Police Service and South African Revenue Service Customs during a joint routine operation.

"The two formations then thoroughly searched the vehicle, a white double cab Toyota bakkie and found about 136 kilograms of suspected heroin as well as 19 kilograms of suspected crystal meth worth a combined value of about R32 million. The drugs were found stashed underneath charcoal which was loaded at the back of the bakkie."

PICS | Crystal meth and dagga muffins among latest products seized in Cape Town drug raids

SARS Customs senior manager in the province, Memory Ndou praised the police.

"This success was achieved through a joint intervention between SAPS and SARS. Continuously collaborating as law enforcement agencies ensures execution of the mandate as well as protects the economy and the people."

Acting Mpumalanga police commissioner Major General Thulani Phahla applauded the collaborative efforts of the two formations.

"We appreciate the working relations between SAPS and SARS at the border as it always yields positive results."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Do you think Minister Blade Nzimande made the right call to dissolve the NSFAS board?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes, NSFAS mismanagement is costing students
26% - 51 votes
No, it's suspicious given that he's implicated
74% - 145 votes
Vote
Rand - Dollar
19.01
-0.2%
Rand - Pound
23.65
-0.1%
Rand - Euro
20.18
-0.1%
Rand - Aus dollar
12.22
-0.0%
Rand - Yen
0.12
-0.1%
Platinum
982.90
+0.6%
Palladium
1,035.00
-1.4%
Gold
2,386.86
+0.1%
Silver
28.83
-0.1%
Brent Crude
90.10
-0.4%
Top 40
68,349
0.0%
All Share
74,519
0.0%
Resource 10
63,879
0.0%
Industrial 25
100,148
0.0%
Financial 15
15,828
0.0%
All JSE data delayed by at least 15 minutes Iress logo
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE