Approximately 46 dagga plants were seized from a Centurion-couple on Friday afternoon.
Police arrested Cathrine and Glen Naudé during, what is now known as one of this sector’s biggest drug bust.
After being charged with numerous charges regarding the making, distributing and selling of dagga, the couple was reportedly granted bail of R10 000 each on Monday.
The police allegedly received a complaint about a generator making noise in Hans Strijdom Street. Upon arrival, it is believed police found a generator running, but no one was home. According to a reliable source, the police then notice the strong odour of dagga in the air. Back up was called in to raid the house.
In the meantime, Naudé arrived at his house. Police forces made a dynamic entry after which the owner was arrested for the possession, cultivation and distribution of dagga. After a thorough search, drug scale and equipment as well as smoking pipes were seized. Trees, plants, dried dagga, hash, seedlings and cuttings were also found on the premises.
The police also seized hydroponics in which the dagga was grown and drying boxes according to section 20 of the criminal procedure act.
As further evidence that Naudé was trading with dagga, his log book was found with his business sales.
Cathrine was arrested as Naudé’s accomplice along the same charges.
The Naudé couple has two children of ages 3 and 4, but was at day care at time of the arrest. Naudé’s brother took the children in his care.
The couple’s lawyer, Peter Jay, reportedly told the court there was no evidence provided to confirm that the plants were indeed dagga plants. The worth of the confiscated plants was also not brought forth in court, he argued.
The state did not oppose bail and the case was postponed to February as further investigation needed to be conducted.
