Two men arrested in Primrose as police seize dagga edibles and paraphernalia

A major dagga bust in Primrose has left two men behind bars and authorities warning about the growing trend of cannabis-infused products in the community.

Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) officers, working with SAPS crime intelligence, swooped on a property on Polly Street after receiving tip-offs about suspected drug dealing in the area. Their search uncovered a stash of dagga and cannabis-infused products worth an estimated R30 000.

Two men aged 55 and 49 were arrested in Primrose after EMPD and SAPS found large amounts of dagga, edibles, scales and speed point machines worth R30k hidden in a house. No SAPHRA licence was produced. pic.twitter.com/hWcmzyUYDU

BEAST OF NEWS (@EversonLuhanga) January 22, 2026

What the police found

EMPD spokesperson Chief Superintendent Kelebogile Thepa said the suspects, aged 55 and 49, were caught red-handed. “Officers found multiple large containers of dagga hidden in different bedrooms,” she confirmed.

The raid also revealed an array of drug-related items, including portable scales, rolling papers, drug paraphernalia pipes, three cellphones, speed point machines, and cannabis-infused edibles like lollipops, chocolates, and mushrooms.

Authorities noted that neither suspect had the required cultivation or manufacturing permits, including a SAHPRA Section 22C licence, which would legally allow them to handle large quantities of cannabis or produce cannabis products.

Both men were arrested and detained at Primrose police station, and they are expected to appear in the Germiston Magistrate’s Court on charges of possession and dealing in illicit substances.

Rising concerns over cannabis edibles

This arrest comes amid a surge in cannabis-related cases across South Africa, highlighting the popularity of cannabis-infused edibles and the risk of unlicensed production. In recent days, a 31-year-old parolee was arrested at Standerton Correctional Centre for allegedly attempting to smuggle dagga and a cellphone into the prison concealed inside a packet of instant porridge.

Mpumalanga SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane said the suspect, visiting a friend who is incarcerated, 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,” he noted.

Community reaction

Local residents expressed mixed feelings online, with some praising police efforts to curb drug dealing, while others raised concerns about the prevalence of cannabis edibles in everyday products. Social media posts highlighted the increasing sophistication of illicit operations, with many users warning parents to remain vigilant about the types of products their children could accidentally consume.

“This isn’t just dagga; it’s disguised as candy and chocolate. It’s a danger in plain sight,” one concerned resident tweeted.

The bigger picture

Legal experts say the Primrose arrests underscore the importance of following South Africa’s strict licensing requirements for cannabis cultivation and production. The EMPD and SAPS continue to urge anyone with information on illicit operations to report it, as authorities aim to stay ahead of the growing market for cannabis-infused products.

As cannabis use remains a hotly debated topic in South Africa, cases like this illustrate the fine line between legalisation, unlicensed production, and criminal activity. Residents and authorities alike are watching closely as courts prepare to decide the fate of the two men caught in Primrose.

{Source: IOL}

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