An alleged dagga kingpin was arrested in Mahikeng on Monday with two other people.
- Three people, including a “dagga kingpin”
and SANDF employee, were arrested on Monday for alleged money laundering. - It is alleged they smuggled dagga from Eswatini and
sold it in Mahikeng and surrounding towns. - They are also accused of money laundering
activities involving fixed and movable property.
An alleged dagga kingpin was arrested in Mahikeng
on Monday with two other people, one of whom is an employee of the South
African National Defence Force (SANDF).
The Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation
and Priority Crime Specialised Investigation units were assisted by members of
the police’s K9 Unit, Border Policing Unit and the Asset Forfeiture Unit in the
operation. It was aimed at dismantling an illegal enterprise that was allegedly
extensively involved in elaborate clandestine activities like dealing in dagga
and money laundering.
According to Hawks spokesperson Captain Tlangelani
Rikhotso, it’s alleged the trio illegally smuggled dagga from Eswatini and
supplied it to the market in Mahikeng and surrounding towns.
Rikhotso
said:
Following months of surveillance, evidence gathered further suggests that the suspects are allegedly also involved in money laundering activities involving fixed and movable property.
In February, the main suspect was arrested in
possession of dagga worth approximately R600 000. He was charged with dealing
in dagga and has now been linked to alleged money laundering activities.
Two BMWs, two Mercedes-Benzes, an Opel Corsa and a
VW Polo belonging to the suspects were seized as they were believed to be the
proceeds of crime. Bags of dagga found during the search were also seized.
“The suspects will appear before the Mmabatho
Magistrate’s Court on [Tuesday] where they will be facing charges of dealing in
dagga and money laundering,” Rikhotso added.
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