WESTERN CAPE – Joseph Hughes (24) appeared in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court yesterday, 5 December 2022 facing charges of dealing and operating a hydroponic cannabis laboratory.
He was arrested on Friday, 2 December 2022 following a search and seizure operation executed by the Hawks’ South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau team together with Crime Intelligence Counter Narcotics and Gangs, K9 Unit and Flying Squad at his property in Constantia upon receiving a tip-off about a suspect who was operating a cannabis hydroponic laboratory.
During the search, the team established that inside the premises, seven rooms were used for cultivation of cannabis. An assortment of several dagga plants were reportedly found in the premises.
Six bags of dagga heads, six kilograms of dagga heads, 754 dagga trees, 10 kilograms of dried dagga stems with heads on and 315 rounds of ammunition were found. All-inclusive value of cannabis surpasses R1.5 million.
Hughes was released on R50 000-00 bail following his court appearance and the matter was postponed to 24 February 2023 for further investigation.

Source: South African Police Service