Policeman and his dog seize dagga worth R4m

STAFF REPORTER

A HUNCH and a keen sense of smell netted a Port Alfred K9 Unit policeman and his dog a dagga haul worth over R4-million on Tuesday.

Warrant officer Mark Neave (pictured) and his four-legged partner Toska were on patrol on the R72 about 10km from Port Alfred at about 10am when they spotted a white Iveco panel van travelling very slowly uphill, according to police spokesman Captain Mali Govender.

Suspicious, Neave stopped the vehicle which had two male occupants, Toska close at his side.

DAGGA BUST: Warrant officer Mark Neave of the Port Alfred K9 Unit and his dog Toska with the four tons of dagga seized in a drug bust on the R72 just outside Port Alfred on Tuesday Picture: SUPPLIED

Govender said the dog "immediately indicated that there was something suspicious in the vehicle” despite the deodorising bocks that had been spread around to mask the smell of the dagga.

"On searching the vehicle, (Neave found) the entire back of the panel van was packed with 50kg bags of dagga,” said Govender. "He immediately called for back-up which arrived within minutes and both suspects were arrested.”

The vehicle was driven to the Port Alfred police station where its cargo was unloaded. A total of 81 bags of dagga were counted, weighing nearly four tons. Its estimated street value is more than R4-million, said Govender.

Both suspects, in their 30s, face charges of possession of dagga and will appear in the Port Alfred Magistrate's Court soon.