A 43-year-old man is expected to appear in the Kroonstad Magistrate's Court after he was found in possession of khat plants with an estimated street value of R210 000.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), members of the Vala Umgodi Pillar 3 initiative, led to the interception of a significant consignment of khat plants on Thursday evening.
They identified and intercepted a white Toyota Quantum panel van travelling from Gauteng en route to Cape Town.
The vehicle was stopped by the Tactical Response Team (TRT) on the N1 highway near Kroonstad at approximately 6:50 pm.
“The suspect initially refused to halt the vehicle, necessitating a strategic and controlled manoeuvre by the team to close off the panel van in busy traffic conditions on the N1.
“Upon inspection of the vehicle, members discovered 30 boxes filled with khat plants, with an estimated street value of R210 000, concealed in the back of the panel van.
“The male driver was immediately arrested on charges related to the possession of suspected drugs and drug trafficking,” said Free State police.
The police said the bust was one of many Vala Umgodi initiatives to combat organised crime and the illicit trade of drugs that pose a significant threat to communities. – SAnews.gov.za
