THE South African Police Service (SAPS) has arrested two Nigerian, identified as 36-year-old Kelvin Ike and 52-year-old Okeke Joseph, and seized suspected drugs estimated at R1.5million (about N125million) identified as 36-year-old Kelvin Ike and 52-year-old Okeke Joseph.
SAPS, in a statement on Sunday, August 30, said the arrests and seizure were made on Thursday, August 27, during Operation Ukubuza in the Central area of Gqeberha, Eastern Cape Province.
It explained that its officers, acting on information about suspected drug dealing activities in Parliament Street, Central, stormed the location, leading to the arrest of two, who were allegedly found in possession of suspected drugs.
A third man was also arrested after he was found with a large amount of cash he allegedly could not satisfactorily explain.
The Police said an inquiry had been opened concerning the money.
SAPS stated that during the operation, a Police K9 officer noticed a white Mercedes-Benz B200 Turbo parked in the area, with suspected drugs visible inside, adding: “A search of the vehicle and its immediate surroundings resulted in a plastic bag containing suspected drugs being found near the rear tyre.”
It stated that officers subsequently traced the owner of the vehicle, who confirmed that he had been renting it out, and gave officers permission to search it, noting: “During the search, a suspect was found hiding in the boot of the vehicle.”
A key found in the suspect’s possession allegedly led officers to a flat, where they conducted another search, which it said resulted in the seizure of various suspected drugs, including dagga, tik, khat, cocaine and mandrax tablets.
SAPS said officers also confiscated numerous smoking pipes, insulin syringes, a portable measuring scale and an undisclosed amount of cash, adding: “Additional suspected drugs and insulin needles were also confiscated from the Mercedes-Benz.”
The Police said the two Nigerians were arrested on charges relating to possession of drugs and appeared before the Gqeberha Magistrate’s Court, and their case was adjourned until Monday, August 31.
The 42-year-old suspect arrested on a charge of dealing in drugs was also expected to appear before the same court on Monday.
