A Port Elizabeth couple has been arrested on charges of cultivating and dealing in dagga after a fully operational hydroponics laboratory was discovered at a house in Beverly Grove.
Police said the arrests on Wednesday were made after an investigation revealed that the couple had allegedly been operating a hydroponics laboratory at a house in the suburb.
Police spokesperson, Colonel Priscilla Naidu, said that the investigation got underway on Monday after a narcotics dog responded positively to a parcel discovered at the Port Elizabeth airport during a routine inspection.
"On further investigation, the parcel was tracked to the courier company and CCTV footage revealed a registration number of the vehicle. The number was traced and on Wednesday, 14 March 2018, a search warrant was executed at a house in Beverley Grove," she said.
Naidu said the couple was arrested and detained on charges of cultivation and dealing in dagga.
"On searching the house police discovered a fully operational hydroponic laboratory. Both suspects will appear in the Port Elizabeth Magistrate court Thursday 2018-03-15. The estimated value of the drugs is R500 000," she said.
Naidu said police also seized two vehicles, a small boat and trailer was also seized.
She said that the Acting Cluster Commander for Mount Road Cluster, Brig Andrew Louw has praised the actions of the arresting officers.
'‘These members were off duty and on rest days but followed through on the entire investigation. We will not tolerate the trafficking of drugs on our watch and send out a stern warning to drug pedlars that they will be arrested and prosecuted," said Brig Louw.
(Pics;SAPS)
