Dagga worth R1.2 million seized near Port Elizabeth as driver flees

More than 500 kilogram of dagga were confiscated near Coega early on Friday morning.

"This followed after the Motherwell Operational Command Centre members spotted a silver GWM bakkie at Colchester travelling on the N2 towards Nelson Mandela Bay at about 00:30," said police spokesperson, Captain Andre Beetge.

"The vehicle was stacked with black bags and was suspicious to the members.

"When attempting to pull over the vehicle, a car chase ensued."

He said that after about 5 kilometres, the bakkie stopped close to Coega and the driver ran into the bushes.

"The police members were unable to apprehend the suspect due to the darkness and the dense bushes."

On searching the vehicle, 17 large bags of dagga were confiscated.

"The dagga of more than half a tonne has an estimated street value of more than R1,2 million," Capt Beetge described.

"The vehicle (a rental vehicle from George) was checked and found to have false number plates. It was impounded for further forensic analysis."

Motherwell SAPS Cluster Commander, Major General Dawie Rabie, added "Our operational deployment on the major routes in and out of Nelson Madela Bay is proving successful. We will continue to focus on these routes to halt the trafficking of illegal fire arms, drugs, stolen goods and vehicles as well as stolen stock. This latest incident will be investigated thoroughly and arrests are expected soon."

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