Mpumalanga Police Destroy R2.9 Million Dagga Plantation in Major Drug Trafficking Crackdown

Mpumalanga police have dealt a major blow to drug trafficking networks after uncovering and destroying a large dagga plantation worth an estimated R2.9 million at Buffelspruit farms near Malelane.

The discovery was made on Friday afternoon, 9 January 2025, during an intelligence-driven operation in the Nkomazi area. Law enforcement officials located the plantation at around 16:30, finding mature marijuana plants growing along the banks of the Mhlambanyatsi River.

Intelligence Leads to Breakthrough

According to police, the operation followed information received about suspected large-scale drug cultivation in the area. Acting swiftly on the intelligence, officers moved in and confirmed the existence of the plantation, which authorities described as a significant breakthrough in the ongoing fight against drug trafficking in Mpumalanga.

The scale of the cultivation suggested an organised operation rather than small-scale or subsistence farming, raising concerns about the broader distribution networks linked to the plantation.

Operation Safer Festive Season

The discovery was made as part of Operation Safer Festive Season in the Ehlanzeni District. The operation was led by Acting Mpumalanga SAPS Provincial Commissioner Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, alongside Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing Major General Samuel Sekgobela and Ehlanzeni District Commissioner Major General Dorah Xaba.

They were joined by senior SAPS members, traffic officers, Nkomazi local law enforcement officials, as well as representatives from SARS and Customs. Local farmers also played a role in supporting the operation.

Dagga Plants Destroyed on Site

Following the discovery, officers uprooted and destroyed the dagga plants found at the site. The immediate destruction was aimed at preventing the crop from entering the illegal drug market and disrupting supply chains operating in and beyond the province.

Major General Mkhwanazi said the successful operation demonstrated law enforcement’s determination to act decisively against drug-related crime and protect communities from the social harm associated with narcotics.

Investigation Underway

A criminal case has been opened, and investigations are continuing to identify those responsible for the large-scale cultivation. At this stage, no suspects have been arrested.

Police have urged members of the public to come forward with any information that could assist in identifying the individuals or syndicates behind the operation, stressing that community cooperation remains crucial in tackling organised crime.

Renewed Focus on Drug Trafficking

The bust highlights the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in rural and farming areas, where remote locations are often exploited for illegal crop cultivation. It also underscores the importance of coordinated efforts between different law enforcement agencies.

As operations like Safer Festive Season continue, police have reaffirmed their commitment to intensifying crackdowns on drug trafficking across Mpumalanga, with the aim of reducing crime and improving safety in affected communities.