News / National
Midnight raid exposes backyard dagga farm in Gwabalanda
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A Bulawayo man's secret cannabis cultivation scheme came crashing down in the early hours of Friday morning after a midnight tip-off led police straight to a thriving backyard dagga farm in Gwabalanda.
Michael Silas (23) was arrested on May 16 after officers from Luveve Police Station raided his wooden cabin and uncovered over 100 marijuana plants, along with seeds stashed in a matchbox. The bust has been described as one of the more significant local finds in recent months.
According to Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, the raid was triggered by an anonymous call received at approximately 12:45 AM, alerting authorities to suspected illegal drug cultivation at an in-fill stand in Gwabalanda.
"Police reacted swiftly to the tip-off and found the accused sleeping in a wooden cabin," said Insp Msebele. "A search was conducted, and officers recovered a dagga plant about 50cm long and a matchbox full of seeds placed on top of a wardrobe."
But the operation didn't stop there.
"Further inspection of the yard revealed a total of 103 dagga plants growing in the garden," she added. "The suspect was arrested on the spot and is now facing charges of unlawful cultivation of dangerous drugs."
Silas was taken to Luveve Police Station pending his court appearance. Authorities are still working to determine the total weight and street value of the seized cannabis.
Insp Msebele applauded the public's role in the arrest, emphasising the importance of community involvement in combatting the drug menace.
"We want to commend members of the public for playing a critical role in this arrest," she said. "We're not backing down in the fight against drugs and substance abuse. With the public's support, we are making it harder for criminals to operate."
What began as a quiet night in the suburbs has turned into a cautionary tale for would-be backyard botanists - Silas' green-thumbed dreams now lie in the hands of the courts.
Michael Silas (23) was arrested on May 16 after officers from Luveve Police Station raided his wooden cabin and uncovered over 100 marijuana plants, along with seeds stashed in a matchbox. The bust has been described as one of the more significant local finds in recent months.
According to Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, the raid was triggered by an anonymous call received at approximately 12:45 AM, alerting authorities to suspected illegal drug cultivation at an in-fill stand in Gwabalanda.
"Police reacted swiftly to the tip-off and found the accused sleeping in a wooden cabin," said Insp Msebele. "A search was conducted, and officers recovered a dagga plant about 50cm long and a matchbox full of seeds placed on top of a wardrobe."
But the operation didn't stop there.
Silas was taken to Luveve Police Station pending his court appearance. Authorities are still working to determine the total weight and street value of the seized cannabis.
Insp Msebele applauded the public's role in the arrest, emphasising the importance of community involvement in combatting the drug menace.
"We want to commend members of the public for playing a critical role in this arrest," she said. "We're not backing down in the fight against drugs and substance abuse. With the public's support, we are making it harder for criminals to operate."
What began as a quiet night in the suburbs has turned into a cautionary tale for would-be backyard botanists - Silas' green-thumbed dreams now lie in the hands of the courts.
Source - B-Metro
