EASTERN CAPE, March 20 (ANA) - Dagga and Mandrax with a combined value of R17 million has been seized in Cradock in the Eastern Cape, provincial police said on Monday.
During a highway patrol, the Cradock Highway Patrol members, along with Cradock police, on Friday pulled over a white Toyota Hilux bakkie travelling towards Port Elizabeth. It was found to be carrying 23 bags of dagga.
Police spokesperson, Brigadier Marinda Mills, said that two suspects, aged 25 and 27, were arrested.
"The 23 bags of dagga, with a total weight of 486.2 kilogrammes and an estimated street value of R1,4 million, was confiscated," Mills said. "The vehicle, with registration number FJ99JHGP, was hired from Unitrans in Boksburg, Gauteng, and was also confiscated."
Meanwhile, on the same scene, a White Colt bakkie, driven by a 45-year-old male, was stopped when police observed that the canopy of the vehicle was too small for its long wheelbase. The vehicle was taken to the police station for proper investigation.
"Upon searching the vehicle, police discovered 200,000 mandrax tablets with an estimated street value of R16 million in a hidden compartment of the canopy," Mills said.
The suspect was arrested, while the mandrax, along with the privately-owned vehicle with the registration number VGB 355 GP, was confiscated.
The suspects were due to appear in the Cradock Magistrate's Court on Monday on charges of dealing in Dagga and Mandrax.
- African News Agency (ANA)