BY NONTSETSELELO DLAMINI (INTERN)
MBABANE– A renewed wave of proactive policing by the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) is delivering tangible results, with seven suspects arrested and more than 90 kilograms of dagga seized in a single day of coordinated operations across the country. The April 6, 2026 crackdown, conducted in the Pigg’s Peak and Sidvokodvo policing areas, highlights how targeted enforcement continues to disrupt illegal drug networks while reinforcing public safety.
The breakthrough moment began to unfold at approximately 1530 hours along the Nsangwini/Nginamadvolo public road, where alert Pigg’s Peak officers, manning a routine roadblock, intercepted a vehicle that would soon prove significant. According to police reports, a 57-year-old woman and two men aged 37 and 38 were apprehended after being found transporting 36.4 kilograms of dagga without the required permits. What appeared to be a routine stop quickly turned into a major seizure, setting the tone for a highly successful day of operations.
The operation unfolded through intelligence-informed roadblocks, demonstrating the growing effectiveness of preventative policing. Within the hour, Sidvokodvo police acted with equal precision in the Gundvwini area, stopping two vehicles and uncovering an additional 54.9 kilograms of dagga, bringing the total haul to over 90 kilograms. All suspects have since been formally charged, with investigations ongoing.
Beyond the arrests, the operation reflects a broader success story one of coordination, vigilance, and community partnership. REPS’ ability to execute multiple interceptions within a short timeframe signals a strengthened intelligence network and improved responsiveness on the ground. These efforts are increasingly limiting the movement of illegal substances before they reach communities.
Across Eswatini, drug trafficking continues to pose a threat to community safety, often contributing to related offences such as theft, assault, and small-scale distribution networks within towns and rural areas. By prioritising early interception through strategic roadblocks and acting on community tip-offs, REPS is not only addressing immediate offences but also disrupting the flow of illegal substances before they reach local communities. This approach reflects a shift toward proactive policing methods that focus on prevention and dismantling supply chains at source.
Equally important is the growing involvement of emaSwati in supporting these efforts. Through initiatives such as the “Sikhona” community policing programme, citizens are increasingly working hand-in-hand with law enforcement by reporting suspicious activities and sharing critical information. This partnership is strengthening trust, improving response times, and contributing to safer neighbourhoods across the country.
The latest success reinforces a positive and encouraging message ,collaboration between police and the public is yielding results. As REPS continues to intensify its operations against illegal activities, each successful interception represents meaningful progress toward building a safer, more resilient, and drug-free Eswatini.
#REPS#Sikhona#SaferEswatini#CommunityPolicing
(Courtesy Pic)
