Johannesburg – Five suspects have been arrested after Gauteng police uncovered a hydroponic dagga laboratory valued at more than R1 million during an intelligence-driven operation in De Deur, Sedibeng District.
The operation was conducted on Thursday, 27 August 2026, and resulted in the arrest of five suspects aged between 29 and 68.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) said officers also recovered two firearms during the operation, including a .303 rifle and a 9mm Glock pistol.
“During the operation, police recovered a .303 rifle and a 9mm Glock pistol,” SAPS said.
The suspects face charges relating to contraventions of Sections 3 and 5(b) of the Drug Trafficking Act 140 of 1992.
Two of the suspects face additional charges for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
According to SAPS, the group comprises two Jamaican nationals, two Malawian nationals and one Lesotho national.
The operation involved members of Gauteng Counter-Intelligence Narcotics, Gauteng Organised Crime, West Rand K9, the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), National Cybercrime and private security companies.
SAPS said the suspects are expected to appear before the Meyerton Magistrate’s Court soon.
“Police investigations are ongoing,” the police said.
The arrests form part of intelligence-driven operations targeting suspected drug trafficking and organised criminal activities in Gauteng.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
