South African Police Nab Two Nigerians, Recover Suspected Drugs Worth N125m

South African police have arrested two Nigerians and recovered suspected narcotics estimated at R1.5 million, about N125 million, during an intelligence-driven operation in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) said the arrests were made on Thursday, August 27, during an operation conducted under Operation Ukubuza in the Central area of the city.

The suspects were identified as 36-year-old Kelvin Ike and 52-year-old Okeke Joseph Sunday.

Police said the operation followed intelligence on alleged drug dealing activities around Parliament Street, Central, where officers moved in and arrested the two men.

According to SAPS, the operation was set in motion after a police K9 officer spotted a white Mercedes-Benz B200 Turbo parked in the area, with what appeared to be suspected drugs visible inside the vehicle.

A search of the car and its surroundings allegedly led to the discovery of a plastic bag containing suspected narcotics close to the vehicle’s rear tyre.

Investigators then traced the owner of the Mercedes-Benz. The owner reportedly told police that he had been renting out the vehicle and gave them permission to conduct a search.

During the search, officers allegedly found one of the suspects hiding inside the boot of the car.

Police said a key recovered from the suspect subsequently led them to a flat, where officers conducted another search.

The searches yielded various substances suspected to be dagga, tik, khat, cocaine and mandrax tablets, according to the police.

Officers also recovered smoking pipes, insulin syringes, a portable measuring scale and an undisclosed amount of cash.

“Additional suspected drugs and insulin needles were also confiscated from the Mercedes-Benz,” SAPS said.

The two Nigerians were charged with drug possession and arraigned before the Gqeberha Magistrate’s Court. Their case was adjourned until Monday, August 31.

A third suspect, a 42-year-old man, was also arrested after police allegedly found him carrying a large amount of cash which he was unable to satisfactorily account for.

SAPS said the money was being investigated, while the third suspect, who faces a drug dealing charge, is expected to appear before the same court.

Acting Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Brigadier Loyiso Ngalo, praised the officers involved in the operation, saying their quick response to the intelligence helped take a substantial quantity of suspected drugs off the streets.

“The swift response to the information received” was instrumental to the success of the operation, Ngalo said.

He said police would sustain operations targeting drug dealers and criminal networks as part of efforts to improve security and protect communities.

The arrests come amid heightened public and diplomatic attention around the treatment of Nigerians and other foreign nationals in South Africa.

However, SAPS did not suggest that the suspects’ nationality played any role in the arrests. The police account presented the operation as an intelligence-led investigation targeting suspected drug activity.

The arrests also came against the backdrop of renewed concerns over xenophobia and anti-immigrant sentiment in parts of South Africa, making cases involving Nigerian nationals particularly sensitive.

SAPS said it would continue to pursue suspected drug dealers and criminal networks, with the aim of disrupting criminal activities and enhancing public safety.