A long-term undercover operation by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) has led to the arrest of seven individuals involved in illegal cannabis dealing. The operation, known as Da Culture, has been ongoing since 2021 and continues to target grey zone cannabis outlets using covert police tactics.
Ongoing Crackdown on Cannabis Networks
SAPS launched Da Culture as a strategic undercover initiative to infiltrate and dismantle illicit cannabis distribution networks in KZN. The operation involves plainclothes officers posing as customers to gather evidence against cannabis outlets operating in legal grey areas.
This was highlighted in the Durban Magistrates Court on 6 March 2025, where 26-year-old Marissa Lee Robertson faced charges related to cannabis distribution. She was released on R5,000 bail and is the seventh suspect charged under this operation.
At the time of reporting, it remains unclear whether Robertson’s case is connected to the ongoing legal proceedings involving Durban’s private cannabis club, Rooftop 420. Businessman Rory Allan and three other private club managers appeared in the same court on 13 February 2025, with their case adjourned until 25 June 2025—the same date Robertson is scheduled to reappear in court.
How ‘Da Culture’ Operates
According to court records, Da Culture commenced in 2021 with SAPS undercover agents making controlled cannabis purchases from targeted establishments. The gathered evidence was used to secure arrest and search warrants.
After nearly four years of investigation, a multi-agency task team comprising:
- Pietermaritzburg, Durban, Port Shepstone, and Richards Bay Serious Organised Crime Investigation,
- The Provincial Priority Crime Management Centre,
- The Provincial Digital Forensic Investigation,
- The National Intervention Unit,
executed the first arrests.
On 12 February 2025, SAPS arrested six individuals, aged 33 to 59, suspected of operating within a province-wide cannabis distribution network. Authorities also seized a substantial quantity of cannabis and related products, with an estimated street value of R379,170.
Authorities Applaud the Operation
Major General (Dr) Lesetja Senona, KZN’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Provincial Head, commended the ongoing operation, stating:
“The sustained efforts of our team and our partners in this operation are a testament to our determination and commitment.”
Police emphasize that Da Culture remains active, with further investigations and potential arrests expected.
The Future of Cannabis Regulation in South Africa
The arrests have reignited the debate around cannabis legalization and regulation in South Africa. With grey zone outlets operating in legal limbo, law enforcement continues to enforce existing drug laws while discussions on potential cannabis reforms progress at the legislative level.
As the legal battle unfolds, the cannabis industry and advocacy groups watch closely to see how this operation will shape the future of cannabis regulation in the country.