The Hawks' Serious Organised Crime Investigation (SOCI) unit has successfully dismantled a major dagga operation on the East Rand, leading to the arrest of an individual connected to the illicit trade.
The operation, executed on Tuesday, uncovered a hydroponic laboratory along with a large quantity of dagga and drug paraphernalia.
Acting on a tip-off about suspected drug dealing activities in the Sebenza policing area, officers raided a residence in the Croydon neighborhood. Upon arrival, the occupant, identified as Hugh Herbst (39), consented to a search of the premises.
The search revealed a fully equipped hydroponic laboratory, multiple planted dagga plants, as well as dry and processed dagga. Additionally, officers confiscated syringes, small scales, and medium-sized clear ziplock plastic bags used in the distribution of drugs.
Herbst admitted to authorities that he did not possess a permit to manufacture or extract dagga oils. He was immediately arrested, and the seized items, valued at over R150,000, were confiscated as evidence.
The suspect appeared before the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court, where his case was postponed to 5 March 2025 for further investigation.
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