Durban police uncover dagga lab next to school

Police in KwaZulu-Natal have uncovered a fully operational dagga cultivation laboratory directly opposite a high school in Ngobese Road, Lamontville on Wednesday morning. Two suspects, aged 38 and 55, were arrested in connection with the operation. Provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Paul Magwaza said the arrests were made for cultivating and dealing in dagga.

“Upon further investigation, police discovered that the occupants of the house were allegedly selling dagga to learners. A subsequent search of the premises led to the discovery of a fully operational dagga cultivation laboratory,” he said. Items seized at the scene included dagga plants, vacuum air purifiers, extractor fans, packaging containers and an instruction board believed to be linked to the cultivation process.

Police forensic experts were called in to process the crime scene. The two suspects have been formally charged with cultivating and dealing in dagga. They are expected to appear in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.