KZN Farm Raid: Hawks Seize R30M Dagga, 6 Guns

Major Drug Operation Dismantled: Camperdown Farm Yields Largest Cannabis Seizure of 2025

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) has executed one of the most significant cannabis operations in recent memory, seizing drugs and weapons worth over R30 million at a Camperdown farm in KwaZulu-Natal.

Intelligence-Led Operation Targets Major Cannabis Network

In a coordinated intelligence-driven operation, the Hawks and Durban Metro Police conducted a successful raid that has dealt a severe blow to organized cannabis trafficking in the province. The operation represents a major victory in the ongoing battle against drug-related crime in KwaZulu-Natal.

Operation Details:

• Total seizure value: Approximately R30 million
• Cannabis plants: 4,165 individual plants discovered
• Processed cannabis: 70 buckets of ready-for-distribution product
• Additional equipment: Extensive drug processing paraphernalia

READ: SAPS Dismantles R350 Million Crystal Meth Lab on Mpumalanga Farm, 5 Arrested

Significant Weapons Cache Uncovered

The farm raid revealed more than just a cannabis operation, uncovering a substantial weapons arsenal that raises concerns about the militarization of drug trafficking networks.

Firearms and Ammunition Seized:

• Six firearms of various types confiscated
• Over 165 live rounds of ammunition recovered
• Ballistic testing ordered to link weapons to other crimes
• Forensic analysis ongoing at specialized laboratories

Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Simphiwe Mhlongo confirmed that the seized firearms will undergo comprehensive ballistic testing to determine potential connections to other criminal activities in the region.

Suspect Faces Multiple Serious Charges

A 56-year-old suspect was arrested during the operation and faces a comprehensive array of charges that could result in substantial prison time if convicted.

Criminal Charges Filed:

• Cultivation of cannabis - illegal farming operations
• Dealing in cannabis - distribution and trafficking
• Unlawful possession of firearms - weapons charges
• Illegal ammunition possession - ammunition-related offenses

The suspect is expected to appear before the Camperdown Magistrate's Court in the coming days, where formal charges will be presented.

READ: Community Tip-Off Leads to R350M Volksrust Drug Lab Bust, Says SAPS Operation shanyela 2

Multi-Agency Collaboration Delivers Results

The successful operation demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated law enforcement efforts between specialized units and local authorities.

Joint Operation Partners:

• Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) - Led the intelligence gathering and operational planning
• Durban Metro Police - Provided tactical support and local expertise
• Forensic Science Laboratory - Processing evidence and conducting ballistic analysis

Lieutenant Colonel Simphiwe Mhlongo praised the collaborative approach, emphasizing how intelligence-driven operations continue to yield significant results in combating organized crime.

Provincial Leadership Commends Operation

KwaZulu-Natal Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Provincial Head Major General Lesetja Senona welcomed the arrest and commended the investigative team for their exceptional work.

The provincial commander's endorsement highlights the operation's significance within the broader context of KwaZulu-Natal's anti-crime strategy, particularly given the province's ongoing challenges with drug trafficking and violent crime.

Cannabis Industry and Legal Context

This seizure occurs against the backdrop of South Africa's evolving cannabis legislation, where personal use has been decriminalized but commercial operations remain strictly regulated.

Legal Framework:

• Personal cultivation - Limited quantities permitted for private use
• Commercial operations - Require proper licensing and compliance
• Illegal trafficking - Remains a serious criminal offense
• Weapons possession - Significantly escalates criminal penalties

Impact on Regional Drug Networks

The R30 million seizure represents a substantial disruption to cannabis distribution networks operating in KwaZulu-Natal and potentially extending into neighboring provinces.

Operational Significance:

• Supply chain disruption - Major interruption to drug distribution
• Financial impact - Significant monetary loss to criminal organizations
• Network intelligence - Potential leads to other criminal operations
• Deterrent effect - Warning to other illegal operators

READ: Madlanga Commission: Day Three Reveals Alleged Political Interference and SAPS Links to Drug Cartels

Investigation Continues

While the immediate operation has concluded successfully, investigators continue analyzing evidence recovered from the scene. The forensic examination of weapons and drug processing equipment may reveal connections to other criminal enterprises.

Ongoing Investigative Elements:

• Ballistic analysis - Determining weapon connections to other crimes
• Financial investigation - Tracing money laundering activities
• Network mapping - Identifying additional suspects and operations
• Intelligence development - Building cases against broader criminal networks

Community Safety Impact

The removal of both drugs and weapons from circulation represents a significant improvement in community safety for the Camperdown area and surrounding regions. Local authorities expect the operation's success will encourage community members to continue providing intelligence about suspicious activities, creating a positive cycle of law enforcement cooperation.

Future Enforcement Priorities

This successful operation reinforces the Hawks' commitment to intelligence-led policing and multi-agency collaboration in addressing serious and violent crimes.

Strategic Focus Areas:

• Drug trafficking networks - Continued targeting of major operations
• Weapons trafficking - Addressing illegal firearms circulation
• Rural crime prevention - Protecting agricultural communities
• Inter-provincial cooperation - Coordinating cross-border investigations

Conclusion

The R30 million cannabis bust in Camperdown represents more than just a successful drug seizure – it demonstrates the effectiveness of modern policing techniques and inter-agency cooperation in combating sophisticated criminal networks.

As the suspect prepares to face multiple serious charges, this operation sends a clear message that law enforcement agencies remain committed to dismantling drug trafficking operations regardless of their scale or location.

The ongoing investigation and forensic analysis may yet reveal additional criminal connections, potentially leading to further arrests and the disruption of broader criminal enterprises operating in KwaZulu-Natal and beyond.