A 22-year-old Malawian national is expected to appear in the Vereeniging Magistrate’s Court following the discovery of a hydroponic dagga laboratory in Hartzenbergfontein.
Gauteng police uncovered the facility during an intelligence-driven operation within the De Deur policing precinct on Tuesday, September 8.
According to police, the laboratory and dagga found at the premises have an estimated street value of approximately R1.5 million.
The operation involved members of Gauteng Counter-Intelligence Narcotics, Gauteng Organised Crime, the West Rand K9 Unit, the Forensic Science Laboratory and private security companies.
The suspect was arrested and is facing charges related to the alleged contravention of Sections 3 and 5(b) of the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act 140 of 1992. He also faces a charge under Section 49 of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002.
Police investigations are continuing.
