In an operation, law enforcement zeroed in on Capricorn Street in Signal Hill, Newcastle, unveiling a clandestine cannabis laboratory that had been silently thriving in this usually serene and tranquil neighbourhood.
Warrant Officer Sibu Ncane, Spokesperson for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (commonly known as the Hawks), provided insights into this highly organised operation.
The Warrant Officer detailed how a decisive joint task force, led by the Newcastle Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit, alongside the Newcastle K9, Crime Intelligence, and Public Order Policing Unit, apprehended two men for operating the covert cannabis lab on Capricorn Street on Friday, 17 January 2025.
“Acting on credible information received in November 2023, the Hawks established that the premises was being used as a dagga laboratory, where raw dagga was processed, mixed with other ingredients and sold as consumable products to patrons,” said Warrant Officer Ncane.
Armed with a search warrant from the Newcastle Magistrate’s Court, the joint team executed their plan with precision.
As per Warrant Officer Ncane, their investigation uncovered undeniable evidence that confirmed the premises as a fully functional cannabis laboratory, including edibles, cannabis, precision scales, oils, and pots with cooked cannabis in the kitchen.
The search also revealed cannabis cigars, bottled cannabis, a drug presser, a comprehensive price list for consumable products, cannabis trees under warm lights, and a formidable plastic shower structure. Cash from sales was also seized.
“The total street value of the confiscated dagga and related paraphernalia is estimated at R120,000,” emphasised Warrant Officer Ncane, highlighting that the suspects were detained and charged with drug dealing, now slated to appear before the Newcastle Magistrate’s Court.
Moreover, the KwaZulu-Natal Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Provincial Head, Major General (Dr) Lesetja Senona, praised the law enforcement team for their strategic captures, applauding the operation’s thorough investigation and the successful execution of the search warrant, which dealt a significant blow to a major dagga lab operation in the area.
This incident casts light on the intricate tapestry of South Africa’s evolving cannabis legislation. Here is an overview of the current legal framework that explains the backdrop to this raid:
Decriminalisation for Private Use: The South African Constitutional Court’s landmark judgment in September 2018 decriminalised the private use, possession, and cultivation of cannabis by adults, allowing personal consumption in private spaces without fear of legal repercussions.
To read more, click the following link: Judgments of the Constitutional Court
Cannabis for Private Purposes Act, 2024: In May 2024, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the Cannabis for Private Purposes Act (CfPPA) into law. This act:
- Regulates the cultivation, possession, and use of cannabis by adults in private settings.
- Removes cannabis from the list of prohibited narcotics in the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act, which was previously the main legal framework regulating cannabis.
- Sets out provisions for the protection of children from cannabis exposure and details offenses related to exceeding cultivation and possession limits or using cannabis in public.
- Provides for the expungement of criminal records for prior convictions related to cannabis possession or use for personal consumption.
You can access the Cannabis for Private Purposes Act, 2024 through the South African Government’s official portal here: Government Gazette.
Medical Cannabis: Medical use of cannabis is regulated under the Medicines and Related Substances Act, 1965.
- Cannabis and its psychoactive component, THC, are categorized under Schedule 7, while CBD is in Schedule 4, meaning they require prescriptions for legal use.
- There are exceptions for certain CBD products which can be unscheduled if they meet specific content limits.
Regulatory details under the Medicines Act can be found on the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) website: SAHPRA.
Commercial Aspects: The current law does not permit the commercial sale of cannabis for recreational purposes. While the private use and cultivation are allowed, buying and selling cannabis remains illegal.
Legal Quantities: As of the signing of the CfPPA, specific limits have not been detailed for possession and cultivation for personal use.
In a bold move that underscores the fine line between legal reform and illicit trade, law enforcement’s raid on Capricorn Street in Signal Hill has illuminated the complexities of South Africa’s evolving cannabis legislation. This operation not only dismantled a sophisticated cannabis laboratory but also highlighted the ongoing battle against illegal distribution amidst a backdrop of progressive legal changes.
With the Cannabis for Private Purposes Act of 2024 now in effect, this case serves as a stark reminder that the commercial sale of cannabis remains prohibited.
The future of cannabis in South Africa will undoubtedly depend on how well we balance the rights of private use with the imperative to curb illegal activities, ensuring safety, legality, and economic opportunity in this new era of cannabis legislation.
What are your thoughts on the above? Share your views in the comment section below.
6 Responses
Of course yes i will leave my 200 cents….
So the police go bust a restaurant in signal hill that cooks with cannabis, yet they ignore both shops thats set up in town that sells edibles and cannabis. I wonder why?
Secondly. Why is the police chasing down marijuana users and distributors when its de criminalized for personal use, Where do they think people get it for their personal use? is this government that thick?
Or is it just another case of someone using the police to do their dirty work?
My final question, do these corrupt officials in this town have nothing better to do then Harass tax payers? maybe they should start focusing on all the Nigerian dealers dealing in Coke and Rock, Oh wait… I forgot…. Everyone knows everyone in this town but the police still do not know how to catch these dealers……… Absolute joke of a police station!!!!!
This was not a cannibis laboratory this was a safe space for smokers to be able to safely chill and relax now the police raid them when there are numerous other places selling hardcore drugs like crystal and button and cat yet the police have raided and falsely accused these men of manufacturing cannibis products which is a lie.
Amen to that
Sorry for my poor comment according to some ppl who will get upset.
But it’s good that they did something. That place was selling to underage kids aswell. So I’m sorry for you all who are users.
Yes you get medical reasons apparently. But In my opion I pray that all drug dealers and weed dealers all get caught.
Messing up our kids this rubbish.
As if a person doesn’t have enough to worry about.
O yes then everything still gets mixed with a bunch of extras.
There’s many more places that sell this rubbish.
Thanks for those who were part in doing this raid etc.
Now do us parents a favour and pls go get more ppl and also all the harder drugs.
You guys are worried abt trippy yet there are two other shops in town without their licenses and yet you guys don’t do anything abt it😹swak man swak go bust people selling cat and meth in town there’s so many places yet you guys raid it for the money swak😹🥲
So they went all the way to signal Hill passing by Newcastle corner wow. Free the guys, stop the cap.