Hawks bust R30m cannabis farm in KZN

Police seized over 4 000 cannabis plants, processed drugs, and firearms worth R30m during a major Hawks raid on a Camperdown farm.

A man (56) was arrested after Hawks members uncovered a large-scale cannabis cultivation operation valued at around R30m in Camperdown on Thursday.

South Coast Herald reports the joint operation was carried out by the Port Shepstone Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit, the Counter Narcotics team and Durban Metro Police Drug Unit.

Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Simphiwe Mhlongo said members received information about a farm that was cultivating cannabis in Camperdown.

A disruptive operation was conducted and police swooped on the said farm.

Police counted more than 4 000 cannabis plants at the farm. Photos: Submitted

During the search, police discovered 4 165 cannabis plants, 70 buckets of processed cannabis and various items of paraphernalia. Six firearms and more than 165 live rounds of ammunition were also seized.

“Forensic experts were called to the scene and the firearms will undergo ballistic testing to determine whether they were used in other crimes,” said Mhlongo.

Buckets of processed cannabis seized during the Camperdown raid.

The man faces charges of cultivating and dealing in cannabis, as well as unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. He is expected to appear in the Camperdown Magistrate’s Court soon.

KwaZulu-Natal Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Provincial Head, Major General Lesetja Senona, commended the work of the teams involved.

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shonaaylward

Shona Aylward is a vastly experienced journalist working as a senior reporter. Aside from her extensive community involvement and story writing, she is also involved in creative page layout, and the various media platforms. Shona began her career with Caxton at the Southlands Sun. Previous to this she worked in the marketing industry for surf magazines. Shona is a renown 'greenie' and champions environmental causes. She is also Mom to a number of dogs and cats, and the occasional uninvited snake. When she can find some spare time, it's usually to the beach that she heads.
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