The woman was arrested at a fuel station in Upington on Friday (20/3) after a search of her three bags revealed dagga, with an estimated street value of R670,500. Members of the crime prevention unit responded to intelligence-driven information and arrested the suspect.

The arrest is part of a broader effort by authorities to combat rising drug-related crimes in the region. ZF Mgcawu district commissioner Maj. Gen. Monica Sebili praised the swift response of the officers and emphasised the critical role of community support in providing information that helps remove drugs from local streets.

The latest arrest comes amid growing concern over the rise in drug-related crimes across the Northern Cape. During the release of the third quarter crime statistics for the 2025/2026 financial year at the Office of the Premier on Friday, it was revealed that drug-related offences in the province have increased by 27.4%.

“Members of the Upington crime prevention unit intercepted a female suspect allegedly in possession of drugs at a fuel station in Upington,” said police spokesperson Molefi Shemane.

“Upon arrival at the identified location, they spotted a woman matching the description provided. A search of her bags revealed a large quantity of dagga, with an estimated street value of R670,500.”

Two weeks ago, police in Upington arrested a man (25) with dagga worth R478,000 in his vehicle.

The arrest took place on Saturday, 7 March, during routine patrols along Schroder Street. Officers became suspicious when the driver allegedly attempted to change lanes abruptly upon noticing the police vehicle. This behaviour prompted them to pull the car over.

“When requested to produce his driver’s licence, the suspect failed to do so,” said police spokesperson Thabo Litabe. “While speaking to the driver, vigilant members detected a strong smell of dagga emanating from the vehicle.

“They subsequently searched and discovered multiple bags of dagga loaded inside the vehicle. The individual was immediately arrested and charged with dealing in dagga.”

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