Members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Gauteng dismantled a clandestine hydroponic cannabis laboratory worth about R40 million on a small holding in Magaliesburg, West Rand district, on 18 July 2024.[1][2] Officers had operationalised information about the suspected laboratory, investigated, and executed a search warrant for the property.[1][2]
The search uncovered a fully operational cannabis laboratory.[1][2] Police seized dagga plants, processed products, chemicals and equipment, as well as a signal jamming device, live rounds of ammunition, a gas pistol and an air rifle.[1][2] The team drew on organised crime, crime intelligence counter-narcotics, forensic chemistry, intervention, tactical response, K9 and emergency medical units.[1][2]
Seven suspects were arrested: a Scottish national, a Russian national, a Tanzanian national, two Lesotho nationals and two South Africans.[1][2] They were due before the Krugersdorp Magistrate’s Court on 22 July 2024 on charges including dealing in and cultivating dagga, possession of unlicensed ammunition and contravening the Electronic Communications Act.[1][2] Provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni said it was the third clandestine laboratory found in a few weeks.[1][2]
