Two men have been arrested in Ermelo after police recovered more than 230 kilograms of dagga during an intelligence-driven operation on Wednesday, 26 November.

According to a media statement issued by the Office of the Provincial Commissioner, information was received by Ermelo Crime Intelligence about a suspect allegedly transporting dagga from Piet Retief to Amsterdam. Acting swiftly on the tip-off, members of the SAPS Highway Patrol and the District Task Team launched a tactical interception operation.

During the operation, officers noticed two vehicles — a white BMW X5 with Gauteng registration plates and a white Ford Ranger — travelling together. Police pursued and successfully stopped both vehicles.

A search of the drivers led to the discovery of bags filled with compressed dagga. The total weight of the recovered drugs was 232.72 kilograms, with an estimated street value of around R500 000.

The two suspects, identified as Selulelo Samora Dladla (45) and Iddi Omary Chande (44), were immediately arrested and charged with possession of dagga. They briefly appeared in the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 27 November 2025.

Both suspects remain in custody and are expected to appear again on Monday, 1 December 2025, at the same court.