BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MBABANE – The Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) seized and recovered E3.4 million worth of dagga, stolen livestock, a smuggled vehicle and undeclared goods during cross-border security operations.
According to the Ministry of Defence and National Security First Quarter Performance Report of the 2026/27 financial year,, the total value of controlled items reached E3 411 786.43, reflecting intensified operations against cross-border crime along Eswatini’s borders with South Africa and Mozambique.
The biggest seizure involved 2 600.238 kilograms of dagga with an estimated street value of E2 600 238. The drugs were handed over to the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) for further investigation and legal action.
The report also revealed that UEDF troops recovered 185 goats valued at E148 000 and eight cattle worth E80 000 that were being smuggled across the country’s borders. The recovered livestock was handed over to the police.
In another major operation, soldiers intercepted one smuggled vehicle valued at E500 000, while undeclared goods worth E83 548.43, including clothing, alcohol and electronic items, were confiscated and handed over to the Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS).
The report further stated that troops intercepted one 9mm pistol during operations. In April 2026, soldiers on patrol from Sivule Base arrested two South African nationals and one LiSwati who were found in possession of the firearm before handing them over to Hluthi Police Station.
Border security operations also resulted in the arrest of 92 illegal immigrants, comprising 66 Mozambicans, 20 Burundians and six South Africans. In addition, 18 Emaswati were apprehended for border violations.
The Ministry noted that informal border crossings remain higher than the use of official border posts, saying the trend is driven by factors such as economic hardship, conflict and the search for better living conditions.
During the reporting period, 65 844 people entered Eswatini, including 36 819 females and 29 025 males, while 73 831 people exited the country, made up of 42 294 females and 31 537 males.
The Ministry said the results demonstrate the UEDF’s continued commitment to protecting the country’s borders by combating drug trafficking, livestock rustling, vehicle smuggling, arms trafficking, illegal immigration and other forms of transnational crime.
(Courtesy Pic)
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