‘Major’ SA dagga supplier granted bail in Brits
A man believed to be a major supplier of dagga around the country has been granted bail by the Brits Magistrate’s Court in North West.
He was arrested during an operation by the Hawks where dagga worth of R2 million, R54 000 in cash, and a vehicle were confiscated on Tuesday.
The accused and his accomplices are facing charges of dealing in dagga, cultivation of dagga, fraud, and money laundering to the value of approximately R10 million.
The accused Russel de Beer (49), Archibald Mogale (34), and Charné Steyn (27) appeared in the Brits Magistrate's Court.
The 25-year-old Ulrich Fritz only handed himself over afterwards and consequently joined the trio in court.
De Beer and Mogale were released on R100 000 bail each, and Steyn (27) and Fritz were granted bail of R10 000 and R5 000, respectively.
Meanwhile, a protection order was issued for a cash amount of approximately R800 000 and a restraint order for a farm worth approximately R3 million.
It is reported that De Beer, who is according to the police known as a major dagga supplier in the country, was previously arrested in 2019 when his store Canapax was raided.
Approximately R3 million worth of dagga and other products were seized.
His other Canapax branches closed down around the country following the search operation that was done by the officials.
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