Two men have been taken into custody after law enforcement officers uncovered a fully operational dagga cultivation laboratory situated directly across from a high school in Lamontville, KwaZulu-Natal.
Routine school visit leads to shocking discovery
The arrests took place on Wednesday, 25 February 2026, after members of the Lamontville Social Crime Prevention unit arrived at the school on Ngobese Road for a scheduled visit. During their presence at the institution, officers noticed unusual activity at a nearby residence, prompting them to investigate further.
What they found was far more serious than initially expected. Detectives established that the occupants of the property — a 38-year-old and a 55-year-old man — had allegedly been supplying dagga directly to learners at the neighbouring school.
A deeper search of the premises revealed a sophisticated indoor dagga growing operation. Among the items seized were live dagga plants, vacuum air purifiers, extractor fans, packaging materials and an instruction board detailing cultivation methods.
"Upon further investigations police discovered that the occupants of the house were allegedly selling dagga to the learners."
Suspects face multiple charges
Forensic specialists were called to the scene to conduct a thorough examination and properly document the evidence recovered from the illegal laboratory. The proximity of the operation to a place of learning has raised serious concern among local authorities and the surrounding community.
Both suspects have been charged with the cultivation of dagga as well as dealing in the prohibited substance. They were expected to appear before the Durban Magistrate's Court on Thursday, 26 February 2026.
The discovery has once again highlighted the vulnerability of young people to drug peddling in residential areas close to educational institutions. Authorities have urged communities to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities near schools to their nearest police station.
The discovery of a dagga lab operating opposite a KZN high school and allegedly supplying learners underscores the persistent threat of drug exposure facing South African schoolchildren, particularly in township communities where resources for prevention are limited. For Lamontville residents and local businesses, the incident raises urgent questions about safety and property oversight near educational institutions. Increased community vigilance and stronger law enforcement collaboration around schools may follow as authorities seek to curb similar operations elsewhere.
