Media Statement

Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (HAWKS)

NORTH WEST – The Serious Organised Crime Unit of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation with members of Forensic Science Laboratory and Local Criminal Record Centre descended on a hydroponic dagga lab in Brits on Saturday and arrested the owner of a Cannabis dispensary. The suspect who allegedly also sells franchises for cannabis dispensaries is a major supplier of cannabis and related products in the country.

The investigation aims to clamp down on the unlawful mushrooming of Cannabis dispensaries around the country which are purporting to be operating legally in terms of the Traditional Health Practitioners Act (No. 22 of 2007).

A search of the suspect’s store allegedly revealed over 500 kg worth of Cannabis estimated to be approximately R3 million, hydroponic tunnels for cannabis cultivation, various apparatus for processing and oil extraction and other numerous cannabis products, all which were subsequently seized.

The suspect will appear at the Brits Magistrate’s court on 11 November 2019 for contravening the Medicine and Related Substances Act and dealing in Dagga.

Ends

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