The police have dismantled an illicit cannabis oil operation worth approximately R5 million at a residence in Alberton. Five suspects aged between 58 and 30 are expected to appear in the Alberton Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday for contravention of the Medicine Act, Drug Trafficking Act, and illegal manufacturing and dealing in drugs.

According to police spokesperson Captain Ndivhuwo Mulamu hawks’ South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau together with the Crime Intelligence and Provincial Tactical Response Team followed up on intelligence regarding suspected dagga consignment to be delivered in the Alberton area. “Police kept surveillance at a positively identified residence in Alberton [on Monday] and pounced on the suspects allegedly operating a fully functional cannabis oil extraction process,” Mulamu said.

“Five suspects were arrested and subsequently charged.”

The investigation team together with Forensic Science Laboratories Services seized all cannabis oil extraction equipment with an estimated value of R5 million.

“More arrests cannot be ruled out as the investigation continues.”