THE Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) has intensified its crackdown on cross-border smuggling, recovering 134 livestock valued at approximately E231 000.
Soldiers also confiscated dagga worth more than half a million emalangeni over a two-month period.
According to the army, the operations — conducted largely along the country’s borders with South Africa — highlight a growing challenge of illegal livestock and narcotics trafficking.
In one month alone, troops recovered 126 goats worth E151 200, alongside large quantities of dagga believed to be destined for South Africa.
On January 21, at around 10pm, soldiers on patrol at Goboyane in the Lubombo Region intercepted a vehicle carrying 35 goats. Three suspects were apprehended while allegedly attempting to cross into South Africa.
In a separate incident on February 9 at Big Bend, troops stopped a white Isuzu LDV and discovered two slaughtered goats inside. Authorities suspect that approximately 30 goats had already been transported across the border.
The following day, patrol units intercepted 33 goats allegedly being smuggled through Huhhuma in the Lubombo Region.
The latest livestock-related arrest occurred on Sunday when soldiers apprehended two male suspects from Huhhuma at Sivule, who were allegedly attempting to smuggle 25 goats into South Africa.
The army also reported significant drug confiscations during vehicle checkpoints and targeted operations.
In the early hours of February 14, at around 2am, soldiers conducting an operation at Mafutseni apprehended a suspect from KaGobho, Mpuluzi. He was allegedly found in possession of 12 bags of dagga weighing 236.543kg, estimated at E236 543, without a valid permit.
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On Monday at around 7am, another suspect from Mashekesheni in the Shiselweni Region was arrested at Mshololo after being found in possession of four rolls of dagga weighing 8.4kg, valued at E8 400.
UEDF Public Affairs Officer Major Sandile Gwebu said the force remains vigilant amid persistent smuggling activities.
“Despite our continued efforts to curb this criminal activity, smuggling of livestock and dagga along the border persists. However, we are working tirelessly to safeguard the nation and its property,” he said.
All suspects, along with the confiscated livestock, narcotics and vehicles, were handed over to the police for further investigation and legal processing.
