Massive Drug Bust: Mpumalanga Police Eradicate R2.9 Million Dagga Farm

MPUMALANGA - In a stunning breakthrough against drug trafficking, authorities in Mpumalanga have uncovered a sprawling dagga plantation valued at an astounding R2.9 million. This major find was made on January 9, 2026, at Buffelspruit farms near Malelane, as part of the ongoing Operation Safer Festive Season.

Major Drug Discovery in Mpumalanga

The operation, conducted by the South African Police Service (SAPS) alongside other law enforcement agencies and local farmers, was prompted by reliable intelligence that led officers to a hidden field of mature marijuana plants thriving along the banks of the Mhlambanyatsi River in the Nkomazi area.

Authorities have hailed this discovery as a critical step forward in the battle against drug trafficking in the province. An official case has been opened, and investigations are currently underway to track down those behind this large-scale cultivation. The police are calling for anyone with pertinent information to step forward.

Uprooting the Problem

During this concerted effort, law enforcement officials, including Acting Mpumalanga SAPS Provincial Commissioner Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi and Deputy Provincial Commissioner Major General Samuel Sekgobela, worked tirelessly to uproot and destroy the dagga crops.

Major General Mkhwanazi declared,

“This joint operation showcases our unwavering commitment to combat drug trafficking rigorously and ensure the safety of our communities throughout Mpumalanga.”

Community Safety in Focus

This operation comes amidst growing public concern over gun violence in the region, highlighted by the recent arrests of eight suspects linked to weapon-related crimes in Mpumalanga. Additionally, police made headlines when they apprehended a 43-year-old Zimbabwean man found with a staggering array of passports and a substantial sum of cash.

Authorities also recently dismantled an illegal liquor manufacturing operation in Durbanville, Western Cape, leading to the arrest of five individuals and the seizure of over 2,000 liters of homemade gin.

As the fight against crime intensifies, law enforcement agencies continue to encourage community involvement and reporting of suspicious activities to help keep South African neighborhoods safe.