By Zuko Komisa

- The BMA and SAPS intercepted nearly a tonne of dagga, R1.9 million in illicit tobacco, and over R2 million in heroin across multiple South African border points.
- BMA officials, SAPS, and various suspects, including two Tanzanian nationals and a South African man arrested as a suspected drug mule.
- The coordinated operations highlight the ongoing crackdown on cross-border smuggling and illicit trafficking networks.
The Border Management Authority (BMA), alongside the South African Police Service (SAPS), has intercepted nearly a tonne of suspected dagga, illicit tobacco valued at R1.9 million, and heroin worth over R2 million in recent nationwide operations.
In Limpopo, officials seized 991.5 kg of suspected dagga, worth R1.5 million, at the Baobab Toll Plaza on Friday, 18 September. Two Tanzanian nationals were arrested after the illicit cargo was discovered hidden within a Toyota Hilux.
Meanwhile, in KwaZulu-Natal near the Kosi Bay Port of Entry, authorities intercepted a Mozambican-registered truck carrying R1.9 million worth of hookah and chewing tobacco concealed beneath a load of beans.
At OR Tambo International Airport, a 52-year-old South African man arriving from Accra, Ghana, was arrested after police and the BMA found suspected heroin worth more than R2 million in his luggage.
SAPS confirmed this marks the third suspected drug-mule incident at the airport within three weeks, and the suspect is due to appear in the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court.
BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato praised the collaborative law-enforcement efforts, highlighting that ongoing intelligence sharing remains vital in disrupting the trafficking of illicit goods.
READ NEXT: