A 32-year-old suspect was arrested on Saturday, 19 April 2025, in Ermelo during a crime-combatting initiative, Operation Vala Umgodi. The arrest took place after authorities discovered dagga hidden in luggage at a local supermarket’s parcel counter.

The bust followed a tip-off received by the SAPS Combat Team while conducting a disruptive operation at a mine nearby. Upon investigating the suspicious luggage, two black plastic bags filled with dagga—estimated to weigh 3.5kg and valued at approximately R10,000—were recovered.