The army has once again curbed cross-border smuggling operations following the seizure of dagga valued at E108 750 and the interception of 35 goats allegedly destined for illegal export into South Africa.
The seizures, carried out between February 18 and 23, form part of intensified patrols along the country’s borderlines as soldiers confront persistent livestock theft and dagga trafficking.
Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) Public Affairs Officer Major Sandile Gwebu confirmed that despite ongoing enforcement efforts, smuggling syndicates continued to test the country’s border security.
“We remain alert and fully committed to protecting the country’s borders. Our team is working tirelessly to curb criminal activities and safeguard national property,” he said.
According to Gwebu, the first major interception occurred on February 18 at approximately 10pm at Base 26 at Lavumisa, where troops confiscated eight bags of dagga weighing 74.3kg, with an estimated street value of E74 300.
He mentioned that the suspect fled the scene, leaving the consignment behind.
Gwebu added that on February 19 at around 1:30pm at Stilo, patrol officers arrested two suspects from Mahlabatsini in the Lubombo region after they were found in possession of 7.35kg of dagga valued at E7 350.
Later that evening, at approximately 8pm at Big Bend, UEDF troops intercepted a white Toyota Hilux loaded with 35 goats suspected to have been stolen for cross-border smuggling.
According to Gwebu, the suspect managed to escape, but both the vehicle and livestock were seized.
Operations continued on February 22 at about 6:50pm at Sivule in the Lubombo region, where officers stopped a silver grey Toyota Fortuner carrying 24.6kg of dagga valued at E24 600.
Two suspects were arrested during that operation.
Furthermore, Gwebu disclosed that on February 23 at around 3pm at Lushikishini, troops manning a mounted vehicle checkpoint intercepted another Toyota Fortuner.
He said the driver, a 35-year-old man from Mashayineni in the Manzini region, was found in possession of two rolls of dagga weighing 25kg valued at E25 000.
The names of the suspects are known to this publication but will not be mentioned pending their court appearances.
According to Gwebu, the suspects, vehicles, livestock and dagga consignments were handed over to the Royal Eswatini Police Service.
