Elderly man caught with R450k worth of dagga in Eastern Cape bust
Nxuba police officers seized dagga and Toyota Corolla following the arrest of a 72-year-old suspect for drug dealing.
Image: Supplied
A 72-year-old man from Lingelihle, Nxuba, is facing court for allegations of drug dealing, possession, and transportation after authorities seized dagga valued at nearly half a million rand.
The suspect was arrested on Wednesday during an intelligence-driven operation by the Nxuba Crime Intelligence (CI) and Dog Unit (K9).
Police received information about a person transporting dagga between Tarkastad and Nxuba and quickly mobilised a joint tactical team.
“The vehicle suiting the description was spotted and stopped not far from Nxuba,” said police spokesperson Captain Yolisa Mgolodela.
A search of the suspect’s Toyota Corolla allegedly uncovered six large garden bags and one small bag of dagga, along with a Samsung cellphone. The vehicle itself was also seized as it is believed to have been used in the commission of the crime.
“The total cash value of the seized items is estimated to be more than R450,000,” said Mgolodela.
Nxuba District Commissioner Major General Rudolph Adolph commended the joint operation and voiced his concern about the involvement of elderly people in drug smuggling, saying they are the ones who should be assisting law enforcers in sweeping drugs from the streets to save their grandchildren.
The suspect was arrested on the scene and made his first court appearance on Thursday, January 29.
IOL News