Two people were arrested in Ermelo on Sunday, 19 July, after members of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) allegedly found crystal meth with an estimated street value of more than R93 000 during an intelligence-driven operation.
According to a Hawks media statement, members of the Ermelo K9 Unit, working alongside the Secunda Serious Organised Crime Investigation (SOCI) and the Secunda Serious Crime Investigation (SCI), acted on information about a silver old-shape Mercedes-Benz sedan reportedly travelling from Volksrust to Ermelo to collect drugs.
The vehicle was located along the N11 between Ermelo and Amersfoort at about 17:45 as it travelled from Ermelo towards Amersfoort. Officers stopped and searched the vehicle, where they allegedly discovered a packet containing 310.20g of crystal meth hidden inside the cubby box.
A 44-year-old man and a 46-year-old woman were arrested on charges of allegedly contravening the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act. The Hawks said the seized drugs have an estimated street value of R93 060.
The pair are expected to appear in the Ermelo Magistrate's Court on charges of possession of drugs. The investigation remains ongoing.
Acting Provincial Head of the Hawks in Mpumalanga, Brigadier Thabiso Mayekiso, praised the members involved in the operation.
"Drug traffickers must know that the Hawks in Mpumalanga, together with other law enforcement agencies, will not tolerate the transportation and distribution of these harmful substances within the province. We remain committed to dismantling drug trafficking networks and bringing those responsible to justice," said Mayekiso.