Mozambican Nationals Nabbed at Nkomazi Toll With Over R50 Million Worth of Crystal Meth

• Police in Mpumalanga arrested two Mozambican nationals during a stop-and-search operation at the Nkomazi Toll Plaza
• Reginald Francisco De Maura Tomàs and Reginaldo Joào Tomàs made a brief court appearance following the arrest
• The pair were found with over R50 million worth of crystal meth in 58 different bags hidden in various parts of their car
• National Prosecuting Authority Mpumalanga spokesperson Monica Nyuswa said the pair are facing charges of drug dealing

MPUMALANGA - Two Mozambican nationals found with over R50 million worth of crystal meth were arrested during a drug bust at the Nkomazi Toll Plaza.

At least 53kg of drugs in 58 different plastic bags were hidden in various parts of their car. At the time of the bust, police were alerted of the drugs by the sniffer dogs.

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Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala told News24 that Reginald Francisco De Maura Tomàs and Reginaldo Joào Tomàs were arrested.

The pair also made their first appearance in the Barberton Magistrate's Court on Wednesday, January 18. They were remanded in custody until their second appearance at the Low's Creek Magistrate's Court.

Speaking exclusively to Briefly News, National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Mpumalanga spokesperson Monica Nyuswa said De Maura and Reginaldo are facing charges of dealing in drugs. She said that the matter has been postponed to Thursday, 26 January for their bail application in Low’s Creek Magistrates Court.

“Both accused are remanded in custody pending the outcome of their bail application,” said Nyuswa.

Mohlala said preliminary investigations found that the vehicle was not reported stolen. The operation was conducted by the Kaapmuiden SAPS and Komatipoort K9 unit.

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The provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela praised the officers for their impressive work. The Lowvelder reported that Manamela said Mpumalanga will not be used as a passage for drug traffickers.

Police bust alleged drug smuggler with contraband worth R2.4 million wrapped in chocolate packages

Briefly News also reported that a 37-year-old man was bust with 4kg of cocaine wrapped to look like chocolates at the Cape Town International Airport on Tuesday, October 4. The drugs have an estimated street value of R2.4 million and the man was charged with dealing drugs.

Members of the Provincial Organised Crime Narcotics unit in Cape Town followed up on information related to drug trafficking, SAPS reported. Western Cape Police Spokesperson Joseph Swartbooi said the officers were strategically placed to profile and search passengers disembarking from a Dubai flight.

The cocaine was disguised as chocolate and hidden in the luggage of one of the passengers. According to SABC News, the suspect is expected to appear in the Bellville Magistrate’s Court.

Source: Briefly News