R1.5m worth of suspected drugs seized during Operation Ukubuza in Gqeberha

Gqeberha – Police have arrested three men and confiscated suspected drugs worth about R1.5 million during an operation targeting alleged drug dealing in Gqeberha.

The arrests were made on Thursday, 27 August, during Operation Ukubuza after police received information about suspected drug dealing activities in Parliament Street, Central.

According to Eastern Cape police, two men were arrested after they were allegedly found in possession of suspected drugs. Police found a third man with a large amount of cash, which he could not satisfactorily account for. Police have opened an enquiry into the cash.

During the operation, a police K9 member noticed a white Mercedes-Benz B200 Turbo parked in the street, with suspected drugs allegedly 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.

Police traced the vehicle's owner, who said he had rented it out and gave permission for police to search it.

During the search, police allegedly found a suspect hiding in the boot.

The suspect was found in possession of a key to a flat, which led police to a residence that was subsequently searched.

Police said the search resulted in the seizure of a substantial quantity of suspected drugs, including dagga, tik, khat, cocaine and mandrax tablets.

Numerous smoking pipes, insulin syringes, a portable measuring scale and an undisclosed amount of cash were also confiscated.

Additional suspected drugs and insulin needles were found in the Mercedes-Benz.

Police estimated the total street value of the confiscated drugs at about R1.5 million.

The two foreign nationals arrested for possession of drugs, Kelvin Ike, 36, and Okeke Joseph Sunday, 52, appeared in the Gqeberha Magistrate's Court. Their case was postponed to Monday, 31 August.

The 42-year-old suspect who was arrested on a charge of dealing in drugs is also expected to appear in the same court on Monday.

Acting Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner Brigadier Loyiso Ngalo commended the Operation Ukubuza members for their swift response to the information received.

"Operations targeting drug dealers and other criminal activities will continue as SAPS intensifies efforts to disrupt criminal networks and create safer communities," Ngalo said.