Nelspruit – Police in Mpumalanga uncovered more than R670 000 worth of dagga hidden beneath a load of tomatoes after stopping a vehicle during routine operations on the N4 near Kaapmuiden.
The discovery was made on 2 March 2026 at about 16:40 when members of the White River Flying Squad were conducting stop-and-search operations along the busy route.
According to police spokesperson Sergeant Thulisile Magagula, officers noticed a suspicious vehicle travelling towards Mbombela and decided to investigate.
#sapsMP #SAPS White River #FlyingSquad conducted stop and search ops on 02/03 on the N4 Road when they spotted a white Ford Ranger with Gauteng registration travelling past Kaapmuiden towards Mbombela.
Four suspects were arrested after 56 plastic bags of dagga, each weighing… pic.twitter.com/I4uh2LTnOn
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) March 5, 2026
“The members, together with other crews, followed the vehicle and instructed the driver to stop. The driver complied and pulled over to the side of the road,” Magagula said.
When officers searched the vehicle, they initially found crates of tomatoes loaded on the back. However, a closer inspection revealed the vegetables were concealing illegal drugs.
“During the search, members found tomatoes loaded at the back of the vehicle. Upon further inspection underneath the tomatoes, they discovered dagga wrapped in yellow cellotape,” she said.
Police confiscated 56 plastic bags of dagga, each weighing about 2kg.
“A total of 56 plastic bags, each weighing approximately 2kg, were confiscated, with a combined weight of approximately 111.68kg and an estimated street value of R670 080,” Magagula added.
Four suspects – two women and two men – were arrested and charged with dealing in dagga.
The suspects appeared before the Barberton Magistrate’s Court on 3 March 2026, where they were each granted bail. Investigations into the case are continuing.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
