The police arrested two suspects, 26 and 27, in Willows, Bloemfontein, on Monday (20/7). They seized cannabis and cannabis-related products with an estimated street value of R77,400.

The arrests were made during the execution of Operation Shanela II. Free State police spokesperson Lt. Col. Thabo Covane said a group of young men was searched in a stop-and-search operation. Hand-rolled cannabis and plastic bags containing dagga were found in their possession.

Hand-rolled cannabis. Photo supplied

 “The men gave information about the address where dagga was sold. The team went to the house and forced a locked door open.”

The first suspect was arrested while attempting to escape through a window, while the second one was reached just before he could open a dog kennel where pit bulls were kept.

During a search of the premises, police seized 472 small colourful bags containing dagga, 240 additional bags of dagga, 361 transparent zip-lock bags, 2,400 ready-made dagga, 15 medium-sized bags, 34 other small packages of dagga, and dagga oil.

The cannabis and cannabis-related products were processed as evidence in the presence of the suspects. “The police also confiscated cash believed to be proceeds from drug sales. The suspects couldn’t produce documentation authorising the possession, cultivation or sale of the dagga,” said Covane.

 A case of drug dealing was opened at Parkweg police station. The arrests form part of ongoing police operations aimed at addressing drug-related offences in the Free State.

OFM News/Siyakholwa Mbatyazwa sm

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