Million Rand cannabis lab uncovered in Durban North

A CANNABIS lab with approximately 400 marijuana plants, worth an estimated street value of R2-million, was uncovered by police in Durban North on Thursday afternoon.

According to Captain Raymond Deokaran, spokesperson for the Durban North SAPS, two people were also arrested in the intelligence-driven operation.

The suspects are facing charges of illegal cultivation of marijuana and the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, which were also found on the premises.

“Our Durban North SAPS Vispol Support and Crime prevention unit as well as Organised Crime and Crime Intelligence assisted by members of Marshall Security special ops team, acted on intelligence which led to the discovery of the lab located near the intersection of Umhlanga Rocks Drive and Margaret Maytom Avenue. We had also received information regarding possible illegal activities on the premises.

“A search of the premises revealed a cannabis lab with approximately 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 approximately R2-million. Our officers also found a firearm not belonging to any of the suspects and they are facing charges of illegal cultivation of marijuana and the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition,” he said.

While the Constitutional Court ruled in 2018 that the use of cannabis is legal for both personal and medical use, it is still illegal to buy and sell cannabis.

Last month, the portfolio committee on justice and correctional services extended the deadline for written submissions on the Cannabis for Private Purposes Bill until 30 November.

According to the government, the purpose of the bill is to respect the right to privacy of an adult person to possess cannabis plant cultivation material, to cultivate a prescribed quantity of cannabis plants, possess a prescribed quantity of cannabis, and to smoke and consume cannabis.

“It further aims to regulate the possession of cannabis plant cultivation material; the cultivation of cannabis plants; the possession of cannabis and the smoking and consumption of cannabis by an adult person,” the statement read.