This report from IOL News, 23 January 2026.
Two men have been arrested in Primrose after Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) officers, working with SAPS crime intelligence, uncovered a stash of ‘dagga’ and cannabis-infused products valued at about R30 000 (pictured here).
EMPD spokesperson Chief Superintendent Kelebogile Thepa said officers acted on intelligence about individuals dealing in dagga in the area.
“Responding to information received, officers moved to Polly Street where the pair were found on the premises and searched, before multiple large containers of dagga hidden in different bedrooms were uncovered,” she said.
According to the EMPD, officers discovered drug-paraphernalia pipes, portable scales, three cellphones, speed point machines, rolling papers and cannabis-infused lollipops, chocolates and mushrooms.
The suspects, aged 55 and 49, failed to produce any cultivation or manufacturing permits, including a SAHPRA Section 22C licence authorising them to possess large quantities of cannabis or manufacture cannabis products.
They were arrested and detained at Primrose police station and were expected to appear in the Germiston Magistrate’s Court on charges of possession and dealing in illicit substances.
SAHPRA has warned that selling cannabis is illegal and that SAPS will clamp down on cannabis operations that are not properly certified.
Earlier this month, IOL reported that a 31-year-old parolee was arrested at Standerton Correctional Centre after allegedly attempting to smuggle dagga and a cellphone into the prison during a visit.
The arrest took place on Sunday, 18 January 2026, when the man visited a friend who is incarcerated at the facility.
According to police, the suspect brought food items for the inmate, but during an inspection by correctional officials, a plastic bag containing dagga and a cellphone was found concealed inside a packet of instant porridge.
Police said the suspect was immediately arrested and charged with possession of drugs and defeating the ends of justice.
“The suspect has since joined his friend in custody, no longer as a visitor, but instead as an inmate,” said Mpumalanga SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane.
#
