Police bust R30m cannabis farm in KZN

NATIONAL NEWS - A 56-year-old man has been arrested in Camperdown, KZN, after police uncovered a large-scale cannabis operation and seized six illegal firearms.

The Witness reports that KZN police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Simphiwe Mhlongo says the Hawks’ Port Shepstone Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit, working with the Counter Narcotics and the Durban Metro Police Drug Team, acted on information about a farm cultivating cannabis.

“During the operation, members found 4 165 cannabis plants, 70 buckets of processed cannabis and paraphernalia with an estimated street value of R30m,” Mhlongo says.

Police also seized six firearms and more than 165 rounds of ammunition. Forensic experts processed the scene, and the firearms will undergo ballistic testing to determine if they were used in other crimes.

The suspect faces charges of cultivating and dealing in cannabis, unlawful possession of firearms, and possession of ammunition. He is expected to appear in the Camperdown Magistrate’s Court soon.

KZN Hawks head Major General Lesetja Senona commended the team for their work.

Rows of cannabis on drying racks. Photo: Supplied