Major Drug Bust in Western Cape: R30 Million Cannabis Haul and Firearms Seized

WESTERN CAPE, South Africa - A substantial drug operation has been dismantled by the Western Cape's Organised Crime detectives in a bold afternoon raid on Thursday, 25th July 2024. Two suspects, a 59-year-old man and a 49-year-old woman, have been arrested following the uncovering of an extensive cannabis growing setup in a warehouse located within a farm in the Philadelphia policing precinct.

The operation came as a result of meticulous monitoring of suspected illicit activities. An integrated task force, inclusive of Provincial Organised Crime detectives and members of the Philadelphia SAPS, executed a search warrant on the farm premises. The raid resulted in the seizure of a massive quantity of cannabis plants, alongside processed cannabis, ready for street distribution. The estimated street value of the confiscated cannabis is reported to be an incredible R30 million.

Adding to the gravity of the find, the authorities also uncovered two prohibited firearms and ammunition in the possession of the suspects. An undisclosed amount of cash was also retrieved – a common indication of transactions in the illegal narcotics trade.

The arrested individuals, who were present during the search, were unable to produce any legal documentation to justify the possession of such quantities of cannabis, let alone the illegal firearms. Charges posed against the two suspects include dealing in cannabis and the possession of prohibited firearms and ammunition.

The suspects are being detained and are scheduled to face the gravitas of their actions at the Atlantis Magistrates court on Monday, 29 July 2024. This successful bust firmly illustrates the ongoing efforts of South African law enforcement to mitigate and disrupt the operations of organised crime, especially within the narcotic trade sector.

Such operations send a potent message to those involved in the illegal drug trade about the severity of penalties and the increasing sophistication of law enforcement methods that aim to bring perpetrators to justice.