The Police have arrested two suspects aged 44 and 45 following an intelligence driven operation that led to the recovery of substantial quantity of drugs on Wednesday, 26 November 2025 in Ermelo. Information was received from Ermelo Crime Intelligence regarding a suspect reportedly transporting dagga from Piet Retief to Amsterdam.
Acting on this tip-off, members of the SAPS’s Highway Patrol and the District Task Team launched a tactical intelligence driven operation to intercept the suspects. During the operation, two vehicles, a white BMW X5 with Gauteng registration as well as a white Ford Ranger were spotted. The astute members tactically pursued and stopped both vehicles. Upon searching the two drivers, members discovered a consignment of dagga starched inside some bags.
The total weight of the dagga was 232.72 kilograms, with an estimated street value of about R500 000. It was during this time when the two were apprehended and charged for possession of dagga. The two are expected to appear at the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court today, 27 November 2025. The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, commends the swift and coordinated efforts the multidisciplinary team.
“Operations of this nature continue to demonstrate the commitment of the SAPS to disrupt drug trafficking and ensure safer communities, ” said the General.
