By Adetokunbo FAKEYE
A Nigerian couple have been arrested in South Africa’s Northern Cape province for the illegal possession of drugs valued at more than R2 million, (₦161m).
The police spokesperson for the ZF Mgcawu District, Omphile Masegele, in a statement confirmed the arrests occurred on Sunday, May 26.
According to him, the operatives, acting on information about a suspected drug consignment heading towards Upington, sprang into action.
He added that the apprehension of the couple forms part of their ongoing efforts to combat the illicit drug trade in the area, adding that, authorities remain vigilant in their pursuit of justice and in safeguarding communities against the harmful effects of narcotics.
The statement read, “The relentless actions of off-duty members of the ZFM High-Way Patrol, Upington Border Police and Upington K9 unit who swiftly reacted to information received of an alleged consignment of drugs enroute to Upington on Sunday, 26 May 2024 led to the seizure of a huge amount of drugs worth more than two million rands.
“The team operationalised the information and intercepted the silver Hyundai Sonata sedan on the N10 road outside Upington.
“The vehicle was searched and 9 315 mandrax tablets with an estimated value of R 930 150-00, 2.012kg of tik with an estimated value of R603 000- 00
and 1.32kg of crack cocaine at an estimated value of R554 000.00 was found stashed in the vehicle.
“The members confiscated the drugs, the vehicle, an undisclosed amount of cash and cellphones. The couple, a male and female Nigerian nationals, aged 42 and 39, were arrested for dealing in drugs and are expected to appear in court soon.
“The Provincial Commissioner of the Northern, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola commended the members for going the extra mile in ensuring that drugs were removed from the streets and squeezing the space for drug dealers to operate”.
