A R2 million grow op has been bust by police in the upmarket suburb of Linksfield in Johannesburg. Gauteng Hawks spokesperson Capt Ndivhuwo Mulamu said police arrested a 34-year-old man, Gregory Isaac, in connection with the discovery of cannabis, growing equipment and chemicals.

He said the arrest on 25 June 2022 came after a “stroke of luck on the side of the police”, after a speeding vehicle was stopped by the JMPD and K9 SAPS unit. Police found “packets of dagga” in the vehicle and were led back to the alleged supplier at the Linksfield property.

“At the premises, the investigation team discovered a fully operational illicit hydroponic cannabis manufacturing laboratory, with chemicals, industrial fans, gas heaters and dagga plantation” said Capt Malumi. Isaacs was then arrested, and is understood to have appeared in court and the matter remanded.

Hawks Provincial head Major General Ebrahim Kadwa said: “Criminals are using any opportunity available to illegally produce illicit drugs, be it small holdings, residence, plots, farms, or industrial areas. We urge citizens to report any suspicious criminal activities related to illegal production of drugs within our communities”.