The Border Management Authority (BMA) and its law-enforcement partners have made significant seizures of illicit goods in separate operations across South Africa. Between September 18 and 20, authorities intercepted nearly a tonne of suspected dagga and illicit tobacco products worth R1.9m, as well as suspected heroin valued at more than R2m. These operations were conducted in Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, and at OR Tambo International Airport.
The largest seizure was made at the Baobab Toll Plaza in Limpopo on Friday, when BMA officials, working with the South African Police Service (SAPS), intercepted a Toyota Hilux carrying approximately 991.5kg of suspected dagga. The estimated street value of the dagga is R1.5m. The vehicle was escorted to the Beitbridge port of entry for further inspection, where the dagga was discovered in 33 bags.
Two men were arrested in connection with the dagga seizure and handed over to SAPS. A criminal case was opened at Musina SAPS. In KwaZulu-Natal, BMA law enforcement officials intercepted a truck carrying suspected illicit tobacco products estimated to be worth R1.9m. The truck was stopped along the R22, about 5km from the Kosi Bay port of entry, and officials found 150 master cases of Afzal-flavoured hookah tobacco and 50 bags of Vimal Guktha chewing tobacco concealed underneath a load of beans.
The driver of the truck, a Mozambican national, told officials that the consignment was destined for Durban. The goods were booked at Manguzi SAPS and the matter was referred to the KwaZulu-Natal SAPS provincial counterfeit unit for further investigation. According to BMA spokesperson Mmemme Mogotsi, the products were suspected to have been smuggled from India through Mozambique into South Africa.
At OR Tambo International Airport, the BMA assisted SAPS in an intelligence-led operation that led to the arrest of a 52-year-old South African man. The man had arrived on a flight from Accra, Ghana, and a search of his luggage allegedly uncovered bullet-like objects and blocks containing substances suspected to be heroin, with an estimated street value of more than R2m.
BMA commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato said the seizures demonstrated the importance of sustained enforcement and co-operation between law-enforcement agencies. He emphasized that the authority would continue working with SAPS and other law-enforcement agencies to identify and disrupt illicit movements.
The BMA said the operations formed part of its efforts to strengthen enforcement along strategic routes and at ports of entry. Authorities are continuing with investigations into the separate cases. The seizures highlight the ongoing efforts of South African authorities to combat the smuggling of illicit goods into the country.
Key points
- The BMA and its partners seized nearly a tonne of dagga and illicit tobacco products worth R1.9m, as well as suspected heroin valued at more than R2m.
- The operations were conducted in Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, and at OR Tambo International Airport between September 18 and 20.
- The seizures demonstrate the importance of sustained enforcement and co-operation between law-enforcement agencies.
