Businessman Rory Allan Goldin appeared in the Durban Magistrates Court on 13 February 2025 on charges relating to his company, Rooftop 420 (Pty) Ltd, including money laundering and drug dealing and was released on R20 000 bail.

Alongside him were Vivek Sewpersad, representing another Rooftop 420 outlet, Pregasen Govindasamy of Isipingo Highlife (Pty) Ltd and Darren Wade Muller of Highlife Umhlanga (Pty) Ltd.

The charges relate to activities dating back to 2021, and are the first high profile charges to emerge out of the recent ‘grey zone’ clampdown which has focused on KwaZulu Natal.

The State alleges that Goldin was the architect of a “coordinated and deliberate scheme designed to illicitly distribute and sell tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) products under the guise of legally permissible cannabidiol (CBD)products.”

His lawyer, candidate attorney Shreya Naidoo, said that Goldin was being singled out unfairly. She said her client had been strategically positioned as a precedent for others in the cannabis industry, “yet ironically, theirs are the only stores that have been raided”.

“This is even though there are three to four cannabis shops on nearly every corner in Umhlanga and throughout Durban,” she said.

Naidoo said while personal cultivation and private use have been decriminalised, commercial distribution exists in a grey area.

“This ambiguity has created confusion, making it evident that individuals must possess in-depth knowledge of the legal and operational aspects of cannabis cultivation to comply with the law. However, this knowledge is not equally accessible to all, resulting in a system where some businesses are unfairly targeted while others continue operations without interference,” she added.

Nonetheless, the state proceeded with the case.

According to the charge sheet, the financial entanglement between the accused is said to be evident through their joint bank accounts and the transfers occurring between them.

Goldin, as owner of Rooftop 420, n has been named as the principal architect of this operation and, according to the state, strategically recruited Vivek, Govindasamy, and Muller to manage separate outlets.

Each of the outlets is alleged to operate under the facade of a legitimate business selling CBD-based items. However, the State says in reality, these outlets are distributing THC, a controlled substance.

“Goldin personally manages an outlet under the same scheme. He is also responsible for procuring THC and distributing it to all associated outlets,” said the State.

The first outlet a ‘Gentleman’s Club’ named Rooftop 420 located at Cowey Road (Problem Mkhize Road) presents itself as a venue selling food, health drinks, and various CBD products such as cookies, cakes, and oils. However, the State said THC products are sold in this outlet under the pretence of being CBD items, with transactions disguised using special codes displayed on blackboards within the premises.

The State further alleges that in July 2021 near Problem Mkhize Road, Goldin dealt with THC to the value of R5,000 and in February 2022 he was also dealing with THC to the value of R45,000.

When all the accused appeared in court, State prosecutor Zukisa Dyasi said they were not opposing bail but she requested that one condition be added to their bail.

“If any of the accused leave the province they must alert the investigating officer,” she said.

The other accused were granted R5,000 bail and they all must report to the organised crime office at Victoria Embankment on Mondays at 6am and again at 6pm. The matter was postponed to 25 June 2025.

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