The South African Police Service (SAPS) has arrested two Nigerian nationals and seized suspected drugs estimated at R1.5 million, equivalent to about ₦125 million, during a major anti-drug operation in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape Province.
The arrests and seizure were made on Thursday, August 27, 2026, during Operation Ukubuza in the Central area of Gqeberha.
The two Nigerians were identified by the police as 36-year-old Kelvin Ike and 52-year-old Okeke Joseph Sunday.
According to SAPS, officers acted on intelligence regarding suspected drug dealing activities in Parliament Street, Central, where two men were allegedly found in possession of suspected drugs and arrested.
A third suspect, aged 42, was also arrested after police allegedly found him with a large amount of cash which he could not satisfactorily explain. An inquiry has since been opened concerning the money.
The operation intensified when a police K9 officer reportedly noticed a white Mercedes-Benz B200 Turbo parked in the area, with suspected drugs visible inside the vehicle.
“A search of the vehicle and its immediate surroundings resulted in a plastic bag containing suspected drugs being found near the rear tyre,” SAPS said.
Police subsequently traced the owner of the Mercedes-Benz. The owner reportedly confirmed that he had been renting out the vehicle and gave officers permission to conduct a search.
During the search, police allegedly discovered a suspect hiding inside the boot of the vehicle.
A key reportedly found in the suspect’s possession led officers to a flat, where another search was conducted.
According to SAPS, officers recovered various suspected drugs from the flat, including dagga, tik, khat, cocaine and mandrax tablets.
Police also seized numerous 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 Nigerian nationals, Ike and Sunday, were subsequently arrested on charges relating to possession of drugs and appeared before the Gqeberha Magistrate’s Court.
Their case was adjourned until Monday, August 31, 2026.
The 42-year-old suspect, who was arrested on a charge of dealing in drugs, is also expected to appear before the same court on Monday.
Acting NMB District Commissioner, Brigadier Loyiso Ngalo, commended the police officers involved in the operation for their swift response to the intelligence received.
Ngalo said the operation had helped remove a significant quantity of suspected drugs from the streets.
He added that SAPS would continue targeting suspected drug dealers and other criminal activities as part of efforts to disrupt criminal networks and create safer communities.
The arrests come as South African authorities continue to intensify operations against suspected drug trafficking and dealing, with SAPS urging communities to provide information that can assist law enforcement agencies in tackling criminal activities.
The suspects remain subject to the legal process, and the allegations against them have not been proven in court.