A Mpumalanga man’s dream of making cannabis oil has ended with a R100 000 fine. The Hawks arrested 35-year-old Egmant Herman Kohrs after uncovering his illegal cannabis oil laboratory in Secunda.
Producing cannabis oil without a licence remains a serious offence in South Africa. The Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team received information about the operation in October 2023. They obtained a search warrant and raided the property, where they discovered a lab used to process dagga into cannabis oil.
HAWKS FIND OVER 5KG OF DAGGA
During the raid, investigators seized more than 5kg of dagga and several containers of half-processed marijuana oil. The lab appeared organised and equipped for ongoing production.
On Friday, 10 October 2025, Kohrs pleaded guilty to manufacturing and possessing drugs. He was sentenced to five years in prison, with the option of paying a R100 000 fine.
CANNABIS OIL IN REMAINS TIGHTLY REGULATED
Although personal cannabis use has been decriminalised, producing or selling cannabis oil remains illegal.
Under the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act, only licensed medical or research institutions may manufacture cannabis products.
Many South Africans still believe cannabis oil can be freely made or sold, but the law says otherwise. Authorities have warned that anyone caught producing dagga oil without authorisation faces severe penalties.
HAWKS WARN DRUG PRODUCERS TO STOP
The Hawks welcomed the conviction and praised investigators for their work. They also vowed to continue targeting illegal drug operations in the province.
“Our foot soldiers will always be on the ground to clamp down on these clandestine laboratories,” said Major General Nico Gerber, the Hawks’ Mpumalanga head.
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation continues to monitor Mpumalanga for illegal cannabis and drug manufacturing sites.
