Police arrest a suspect after discovering a dagga plant laboratory

As part of addressing drug related crimes, a Crime Combatting operation on Friday morning, 23 June 2023, by the Rustenburg Crime Intelligence, Phokeng and Hartbeespoortdam K9 Units as well as Brits Crime Combating Unit (CCU) resulted in the discovery of a dagga cultivation plant and laboratory at Elarnoskraal plot, Mooinooi near Brits.

The members who successfully applied for a search and seizure warrant, found a 36-year-old man upon arrival at the plot. The man allegedly confirmed that he is renting the place. Upon conducting a search, the police discovered a dagga cultivation warehouse consisting of a number of rooms. Consequently, dagga plants on various stages of cultivation and other products with estimated street value of R760 000 00, were confiscated. Moreover, the team seized 18 lights, 11 fans, battery, two gas bottles, an air conditioner, chemicals, two machines, a laptop and a cell phone.

The suspect is expected to appear in the Brits Magistrates' Court on Monday, 26 June 2023.

Investigation into the matter by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) is underway.

The Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena lauded all the units involved and indicated that the police will continue to rid communities of drugs through arrests like this one.

Police arrest a suspect after discovering a dagga plant laboratory https://t.co/t11d4tB32t #ArriveAlive #DrugsOffTheStreets @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/JvN9ogsFlb

— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) June 24, 2023