SAPS officers were carrying out routine patrols at about 8.30am on Sunday morning when they spotted a suspicious white Volkswagen Polo exiting the Syferfontein gravel road and joining the R54 Vereeniging - Potchefstroom road and driving towards Potchefstroom, spokesperson Captain Aafje Botma said in a statement.

The officers immediately followed the vehicle and tried to stop it, but the driver sped off. As a result, the officers called for back-up and the car was stopped by members of the Potchefstroom flying squad just before it drove onto the N12 Johannesburg - Potchefstroom road.

When the car was pulled over and searched, it was found to be fully loaded with dagga packed in bags, together weighing about 103kg and with an estimated street value of over R250,000.

The two suspects were arrested and their vehicle and the dagga were confiscated. They were expected to appear in the Potchefstroom Magistrate's Court on Wednesday on charges of possession of dagga, Botma said.

North West police commissioner Lt-Gen. Sello Kwena lauded all the officers involved in the operation for a sterling job. He warned that criminals should not think that the coronavirus (Covid-19) level 3 lockdown regulations "allow people to do as they wish", and reiterated that police would always be vigilant to ensure that those who broke the law were brought to book.

African News Agency (ANA)