A DURBAN businessman has been accused of being the kingpin behind operations around the city to illicitly sell and distribute tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) products.
Rory Allan Goldin was and was arrested and appeared at the Durban Magistrates Court along with three others who belonged to his supposed cartel.
Tetrahydrocannabinol is a psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant, which is responsible for producing euphoric feelings, commonly referred to as a “high”.
Goldin was released on R20 000 bail.
He and his co-accused faced charges including dealing in drugs and money laundering.
Goldin is the owner of Rooftop 420 (PTY) LTD.
His co-accused,who lined up alongside him in the dock, were Vivek Sewpersad representing another Rooftop 420 outlet, Pregasen Govindasamy who represented Isipingo Highlife (PTY) LTD, Darren Wade Muller who represented Highlife Umhlanga (PTY) LTD.
The State, represented by prosecutor Zukisa Dyasi, alleged that Goldin, through Muller, had been a participant in a coordinated and deliberate scheme designed to illicitly distribute and sell tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) products under the guise of being legally permissible cannabidiol (CBD) products.The State also said Goldin recruited his co-accused to open additional outlets under similar operations.
According to the charge sheet, the financial entanglement between the accused was said to be evident through their joint bank accounts and the transfers occurring between them. Goldin has been named as the principal architect of this operation and, according to the state, strategically recruited Vivek, Govindasamy, and Muller to manage separate outlets.
Each of the outlets was alleged to operate under the facade of a legitimate business selling CBD-based items.
However, the State says in reality, these outlets were distributing THC, a controlled substance.
“Goldin personally manages an outlet under the same scheme. He is also responsible for procuring THC and distributing it to all associated outlets,” said the State.
The first outlet a ‘Gentleman’s Club’ named Rooftop 420 located at Cowey Road (Problem Mkhize Road) presents itself as a venue selling food, health drinks, and various CBD products such as cookies, cakes, and oils. However, the State said THC products are sold in this outlet under the pretence of being CBD items, with transactions disguised using special codes displayed on blackboards within the premises.
The State alleged that in July 2021 near Problem Mkhize Road, Goldin dealt with THC to the value of R5 000 and in February 2022 he was also dealing with THC to the value of R45 000.
Dyasi told the court that they were not opposing bail but she requested that one condition in particular be added.
“If any of the accused leave the province they must alert the investigating officer,” she said.
Candidate attorney Shreya Naidoo, who represented Goldin, said her client has been strategically positioned as a precedent for others in the cannabis industry, yet ironically, theirs are the only stores that have been raided.
“This is even though there are three to four cannabis shops on nearly every corner in Umhlanga and throughout Durban,” she said.
Naidoo said while personal cultivation and private use have been decriminalised, commercial distribution exists in a grey area.
“This ambiguity has created confusion, making it evident that individuals must possess in-depth knowledge of the legal and operational aspects of cannabis cultivation to comply with the law.
“However, this knowledge is not equally accessible to all, resulting in a system where some businesses are unfairly targeted while others continue operations without interference,” she added.
The other accused were granted R5 000 bail each and were required to all report to the organised crime office at Victoria Embankment on Mondays at 6am and again at 6pm. The matter was adjourned to June 25.
DAILY NEWS