Major Drug Bust in Northam: Suspect Arrested with Dagga Worth Over R15 Million

In a striking victory against drug trafficking, the South African Police Service (SAPS), along with local safety units, apprehended a 35-year-old man in Northam, Waterberg District, on 07 February 2025. The suspect was found transporting a considerable quantity of dagga, estimated to be worth over R15 million.

The Northam operation was spurred by an intelligence tip about a truck headed to Zambia, which was suspected of carrying illegal goods along the R511 Brits road. Acting on this information, a joint task force involving Visible Policing, the Community Policing Forum (CPF), and Rural Safety units quickly assembled to monitor the area. The collaborative effort led to the interception of the truck at a crucial junction on the Brits-Northam road.

Upon stopping the vehicle for a routine check at approximately 21:00, authorities conducted a thorough search, discovering 44 bales of compressed dagga cleverly concealed among everyday items such as bedding, pillows, and mattresses. Each bale weighed roughly 45 kilograms, and with dagga priced at about R8,000 per kilogram, the total street value of the seized drugs amounted to R15,840,000.

The driver, identified only as a South African citizen, was immediately arrested. The vehicle, along with the illicit cargo, was seized by the authorities. This arrest marks a significant step in curtailing the flow of illegal drugs into and through the region.

Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, the Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, praised the meticulous planning and execution of the operation. She emphasized that such enforcement actions are crucial in the ongoing battle against drug trafficking, aiming to safeguard communities from the harmful impacts of illegal substances.

The detained suspect has been charged with dealing in drugs and is scheduled to make a court appearance at the Northam Magistrate's Court on Monday, 10 February 2025. This case underscores the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing and the importance of community involvement in combating crime.