Seven people have been arrested as a result of a four year SAPS undercover operation targeting illicit cannabis dealing networks in Kwa Zulu Natal. Police say the operation, in which plainclothes police officers target ‘grey zone’ outlets pretending to be customers, is ongoing.
10 March 2025 at 08:15:00
Cannabiz Africa
SAPS in KZN has been running 'Da Culture', an undercover operation against grey zone cannabis outlets since 2021. This emerged in the Durban Magistrates Court on 6 March 2025 where 26 year old Marissa Lee Robertson was charged with being part of a cannabis dealing network and released on R5 000 bail.
Robertson is the seventh person to be charged in KwaZulu Natal as a result of the long term police operation which police say is code-named 'Da Culture'.
At the time of going to press, Cannabiz Africa could not confirm whether Robertson is part of the case involving the owner of Durban private club Rooftop 420, but this appears to be the case. Durban businessman, Rory Allan appeared with three other private club managers in the Durban Magistrates Court on 13 February 2025 and their case was remanded to 25 June 22025, the same day Robertson is due to next appear in court.
The Post reports that court documents indicate that Da Culture began in 2021 with the use of undercover agents buying cannabis from targeted outlets. This evidence was then used to obtain warrants of arrest and search warrants.
Four years after the investigation started, a multi-agency task team comprising the Pietermaritzburg, Durban, Port Shepstone and Richards bay Serious Organised Crime Investigation, the Provincial Priority Crime Management Centre, the Provincial Digital Forensic Investigation and the National Intervention Unit finally made the first arrests.
On 12 February 2025, police arrested six suspects, aged from 33 to 59, suspected of being part of a province-wide cannabis dealing network. Police say the operation also resulted in the seizure of a significant quantity of cannabis and related items with an estimated street value of R379 170.
Police say the ‘Da Culture’ operation is ongoing.
KZN Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Provincial Head, Major General (Dr) Lesetja Senona, has applauded the work of the team. He said: “The sustained efforts of our team and our partners in this operation are a testament of our determination and commitment,"
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