No bail for dagga-lab owner 

Brits – Russel de Beer (48), who stands accused of running a dagga laboratory, was denied bail when he appeared before the Brits Magistrates’ Court on Friday 29 November. He is believed to be a major supplier of dagga and related products in the country. 

The suspect was arrested by the Hawks on Saturday 9 November after a tip-off led law enforcement agents to a dagga-processing laboratory in Brits. The Hawks confiscated 500kg dagga estimated to be worth R3 million. Hydroponic tunnels for dagga cultivation as well as various other equipment were seized.

Tlangelani Rikhotso, spokesperson for the Hawks in the North West, said the suspect could face additional charges related to the contravention of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA), 21 of 1998. “The accused will reappear before the Brits Magistrates’ Court on 24 February 2020,” she said. The Hawks are still investigating the case.