Dagga lab worth R2-million raided in Umhlanga

The discovery was made by Durban North SAPS, assisted by a private security company in a special operation near the corner of Umhlanga Rocks Drive and Margaret Maytom Avenue.

Provincial police spokeswoman, Col Thembeka Mbele, said, “The team acted on information regarding illegal activities taking place in one of the premises. When they arrived at the house, they were met by two occupants and a search was then conducted inside the premises. Police uncovered a dagga lab. A total of 400 plants, large quantities of dried cannabis, cannabis oils that were ready for distribution as well as equipment for manufacturing and processing cannabis were seized by police.”

Communications officer of Durban North SAPS, Cpt Raymond Deokaran, explained that the VISPOL Support and Crime Prevention Unit acted on intelligence, which led to the discovery.

“We also received information regarding possible illegal activities on the premises. A search of the premises revealed a cannabis lab with about 400 marijuana plants, large quantities of dried cannabis as well as cannabis oils ready for distribution as well as equipment for the manufacturing and processing of cannabis. The total value of drugs seized is estimated at about R2 million. Our officers also found a firearm not belonging to any of the suspects. They are facing charges of illegal cultivation of marijuana and the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition,” he said.

The pair of suspects, aged 25 and 30, were placed under arrest and will appear in court soon.

KwaZulu-Natal provincial commissioner, Lt Gen Khombinkosi Jula, commended the team on this massive achievement.

“We are also appealing to community members to make sure that they report all those, who are dealing in drugs in their areas, to the police,” he said.

Community Police Forum chairman for Phoenix, Umesh Singh, commended police officers, who have shut down yet another drug lab in Umhlanga, recently.

“These unscrupulous dealers are affecting the lives of thousands of innocent people within our community. We hope that the perpetrators face the full might of the law. Community plays a pivotal role in the fight against drugs and other criminal activities. We urge them to report such cases to police for further action,” he concluded.