The dagga plants were found on the banks of the Mhlambanyatsi River On Friday, January 9, law-enforcement agencies, assisted by local farmers, discovered a dagga plantation on the banks of the Mhlambanyatsi River near the Buffelspruit farms outside Malalane in Nkomazi.

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The discovery was made during the ongoing Operation Safer Festive Season, which began before the festive season and is led by the Mpumalanga acting police commissioner, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi. The operation comprises traffic officers, senior police officers, SARS and customs officials.

“Information about the dagga plantation was received, and a field of dagga plants with an estimated street value of about R2.9 million was discovered,” said Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli.

“The discovery has prompted an immediate investigation, and an enquiry has been opened to locate those responsible,” Mdhluli added.

He said the dagga plants were uprooted and disposed of.

“We are committed to eradicating illegal drug activities in our province and ensuring the safety of our communities,” said Mkhwanazi.

Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111, their nearest police station, or submit information confidentially via the MySAPS app.

• This article was amended after publishing