In a swift intelligence-driven operation on Wednesday, 26 November 2025, police in Ermelo arrested two suspects and recovered a substantial quantity of dagga with an estimated street value of half a million rand.
The successful operation was initiated after the South African Police Service (SAPS) received specific information from Ermelo Crime Intelligence about a suspect allegedly transporting dagga from Piet Retief to Amsterdam.
Acting on this tip-off, a multidisciplinary team comprising members of the SAPS Highway Patrol and the District Task Team mobilised to intercept the suspects. The tactical operation led them to identify and track two vehicles: a white BMW X5 with Gauteng registration plates and a white Ford Ranger.
Through what police have described as “astute” work, the members tactically pursued and successfully brought both vehicles to a stop. A subsequent search of the two drivers, aged 44 and 45, led to the discovery of a large consignment of dagga concealed inside several bags.
The total weight of the confiscated dagga was 232.72 kilograms.
The two suspects were immediately placed under arrest and charged with possession of dagga. They are scheduled to make their first appearance at the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court today, Thursday, 27 November 2025.