Rural farmers switch from growing maize to dagga

Ladysmith police officers pounced on a homestead in the St Chad’s area yesterday (Monday) morning after receiving information that dagga was being cultivated at the homestead.

Police found a maize field that had been transformed into a dagga plantation, complete with homemade irrigation. The plants were being carefully watered and were flourishing.

Police set about uprooting over 5000 plants, which were then destroyed.

The value of the dagga is estimated at around R500,000. No one has been arrested at this stage, but police are currently following up on the ownership of the former maize field.

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