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 before the Brits Magistrate's Court following their arrests in Britz and Hartbeespoort Dam respectively during an operation by the Hawks, assisted by members of the Local Criminal Records Centre and Forensic Science Laboratory. 

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.

Dagga worth R2 million, R54 000 in cash, and a vehicle were confiscated on Tuesday during the search operation. 

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.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi