Dagga still illegal until Parliament changes laws
Three people were arrested in Tarlton for being in possession of R800 000 worth of dagga.
Despite the Western Cape High Court’s ruling in March that it is now legal to posses and cultivate dagga at home, it is still illegal to have it in your possession anywhere else.
However, because the judgment still has to be confirmed and approved by the Constitutional Court and then referred to Parliament, the use thereof can still land you behind bars.
This was the case for two men who were arrested on the R24 in Tarlton last week, after they were found in possession of dagga.
The men, aged 22 and 31, were driving on this road when officials pulled them over during a stop-and-search operation. They seemed suspiciously nervous, so the officials decided to search their vehicle. They had a considerable number of dagga parcels with them and were arrested.
In another incident, officials received a tip-off stating that there was some suspicious activity at a nearby house in an informal settlement. The officials drove to the scene and found a quantity of dagga in a jewellery box. A 31-year-old suspect was arrested.
The total estimated value of the dagga found was R800 000.
All three suspects will appear in the Krugersdorp Magistrates’ Court soon.
Lieutenant Colonel Tsoaedi, commander at the Tarlton Police Station said that officials and community had worked in a great partnership to secure these arrests.
“Dagga is still regarded as an illegal substance and it is the police’s mandate to ensure that laws are enforced,” said Tsoaedi.
It could take up to two years for the possession, use and cultivation of dagga to be decriminalised. The ruling might even exclude the use of dagga, as the High Court ruling only pertained to the possession and cultivation thereof in homes. The distribution thereof will also remain a criminal activity.
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