Police in the Amathole District have scored another major victory in the fight against drug trafficking after arresting three men found transporting dagga valued at more than R346,000 during a roadblock operation on the N2 near Dutywa.
The arrests were made in the early hours of Wednesday, 10 June 2026, as part of intensified evening operations aimed at disrupting the movement of illegal drugs along major transport routes in the Eastern Cape.
According to police, officers, assisted by a private security company acting as a force multiplier, were conducting a roadblock on the N2 between Tuesday evening, 9 June, and Wednesday morning when they stopped a silver-grey VW Polo at approximately 02:10.
During a routine inspection of the vehicle, officers discovered 15 bags of dagga concealed inside. The seized drugs weighed 69.325 kilograms and have an estimated street value of R346,625.
The three occupants of the vehicle, aged between 32 and 42, were immediately arrested and charged with contravening the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act 149 of 1992. Police also seized the VW Polo allegedly used to transport the drugs.
The suspects are expected to appear before the Dutywa Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 11 June 2026.
Acting Amathole District Commissioner, Brigadier Zinikele Freddie, praised the officers involved in the successful operation and highlighted the importance of extending police visibility during evening hours.
“This arrest is the second drug trafficking case in this area in just over a month. We are now stretching our resources and operations to cover the evenings,” said Brigadier Freddie.
Police say the arrest demonstrates the effectiveness of increased roadblocks and vehicle checkpoints on the N2 and other key routes, with authorities determined to prevent illegal drugs from reaching communities across the district.
The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to combat organised crime and drug trafficking in the Eastern Cape.
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