Hawks target hydroponic dagga labs in Cape Town

Cape Town – While the courts granted the legal use of dagga privately, if you are caught with amounts that go beyond the argument for private use, you will be arrested for illegal drug possession. 

This became apparent when Diran Zacharan (24) appeared at Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Friday last week for dealing in dagga.

“Zacharan was arrested in Table view by the Hawks led multidisciplinary team during a disruptive operation undertaken by the team on Thursday,” said Hawks spokesperson, Captain Philani Nkwalase.

“A third and fully operational hydroponic dagga lab was uncovered with a total of 95 dagga plants worth R95 000 in Table view, Cape Town.”

This follows after two others that were dismantled at small holding farm in Mikpunt Klipheuwel and in Palm Beach Harbour Island last December and February respectively.

Capt Nkwalase said that Zacharan was arrested at his Table view premises for the allegedly dealing in dagga connected to the operating and cultivating hydroponic dagga lab.

“Furthermore, over R20 000 cash notes was also recovered during the search and seizure at the suspects’ residence.”

The case against Zacharan was postponed to 23 May for further investigation whilst he was released on R2000 bail.

Dagga – just how legal is it now

Whether you agree with the ruling or not, and whether or not you personally have ever had (or intend to have) anything to do with cannabis/marijuana/weed/dagga, we all need to be aware of the implications.

Any form of supply or purchase, even in private, and any possession or use by a minor (under 18), anywhere, would still put you at risk of a criminal record and heavy penalties.

Read more on the legalities around dagga growing and use in South Africa here.

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