Hawks arrested a suspected dagga kingpin and two other people which includes an employee of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).
The trio were arrested on Monday in Mahikeng.
The arrest was carried out by joint operation involving Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation and Priority Crime Specialised Investigation units, members of the police’s K9 Unit, Border Policing Unit and the Asset Forfeiture Unit.
The operation was meant to dismantle an illegal enterprise that was allegedly involved in criminal activities which included dealing in dagga and money laundering.
Hawks spokesperson, Captain Tlangelani Rikhotso said the three suspects allegedly smuggled dagga illegally from Eswatini and supplied it to the market in Mahikeng and surrounding towns.
“Following months of surveillance, evidence gathered further suggests that the suspects are allegedly also involved in money laundering activities involving fixed and movable property,” Rikhotso said.
The suspected kingpin was formerly arrested in February after he was caught with dagga worth approximately R600 000.
Two BMWs, two Mercedes-Benzes, an Opel Corsa and a VW Polo belonging to the suspects were confiscated.
Bags of dagga found during the search operation were also seized.
“The suspects will appear before the Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday where they will be facing charges of dealing in dagga and money laundering,” Rikhotso added.
