The 35-year-old was arrested on Tuesday (25/3) while travelling from Smithfield to Aliwal North. The truck was stopped and escorted into the town for a thorough search.

The arrest was achieved during an ongoing interprovincial crime-combatting operation involving police from the Free State, Northern, Western Cape, and Eastern Cape. “A major breakthrough in the fight against drug trafficking was achieved during the ongoing interprovincial crime-combat operation,” said Free State police spokesperson Lorraine Earle.

“Police intercepted a significant drug consignment, seizing crystal meth valued at R50 million within the first 24 hours of the operation. A detailed search of the truck led to the discovery of twelve large bags of crystal meth, weighing a total of 313.5 kg.”

Meanwhile, during a joint cross-border operation, Operation Maletswai – focused on combating cross-border crimes, including vehicle theft, stock theft, and compliance violations –105 suspects were arrested including 42 undocumented people on Monday (24/3).

The truck that was found with crystal meth valued at R50 million. Photo supplied

Targeted searches for stolen vehicles were conducted by the Lesotho vehicle investigators and private entities, from major roads in Maseru to Mohale’s Hoek, as well as the mountainous regions of Mokhotlong.

High-value stolen vehicles were ultimately seized, including Ford Rangers, Isuzu trucks, Toyota Hilux bakkies, Volkswagen Amaroks, Toyota Quantums, and Toyota Avanzas. One of these, a Toyota Avanza, was found to have been stolen from Brighton Beach in Durban in April 2007. 

“Roadblocks were strategically placed along key routes on both sides of the border, including busy roads and mountainous areas inside Lesotho,” said Free State police spokesperson Mahlomola Kareli.

A Toyota Quantum that was stolen was seized. Photo supplied

“Compliance inspections were also carried out at second-hand goods shops in Bethlehem, Ficksburg, Harrismith, Bohlokong, and Phuthaditjhaba. The endangered species and stock theft units also conducted inspections in Fouriesburg, Ficksburg, Ladybrand, Wepener, and Bloemfontein.”

The success of Operation Maletswai highlights the strong and effective collaboration between SAPS, the Lesotho Mounted Police Service, and various private-sector partners, Kareli said. 

These partnerships remain critical in ensuring the safety and security of communities on both sides of the border.

OFM News mvh