A suspected R1.5 million drug haul has been seized in Gqeberha after police allegedly found a suspect hiding in the boot of a Mercedes-Benz during Operation UKUBUZA.
Image: SAPS
A suspected drug operation in Gqeberha took a dramatic turn when police discovered a man hiding inside the boot of a Mercedes-Benz during a major crime crackdown.
Police seized drugs with an estimated street value of R1.5 million during Operation UKUBUZA in Central, Gqeberha.
The operation kicked off at about 11am after SAPS members received information about suspected drug dealing taking place on Parliament Street.
Two men were arrested after they were allegedly found in possession of drugs, while a third man was detained after police discovered a large amount of cash in his possession which he could not satisfactorily explain.
Police spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse Van Rensburg said an enquiry has been opened into the cash.
Police swooped on an alleged drug operation in Gqeberha, arresting three suspects and confiscating dagga, tik, cocaine, khat and mandrax worth an estimated R1.5 million.
Image: SAPS
But the operation took a dramatic turn when a police K9 member spotted a white Mercedes-Benz B200 Turbo parked in the street.
Suspected drugs were reportedly visible inside the vehicle.
A search of the Mercedes and the area around it led police to a plastic bag allegedly containing drugs near the rear tyre.
Police then traced the owner of the vehicle, who confirmed that he had been renting it out and gave officers permission to search it.
During the search, officers made a startling discovery, a suspect was allegedly hiding in the boot.
A key found in the suspect’s possession led police to a flat, where they carried out another search.
Captain Sandra Janse Van Rensburg said the operation was sparked by information received by police.
“The operation was conducted after SAPS members received information about suspects allegedly selling drugs in Parliament Street, Central. The information was immediately operationalised, resulting in the arrest of two men who were found in possession of suspected drugs,” she said.
A police K9 helped crack an alleged drug operation in Gqeberha when officers discovered suspected drugs in a Mercedes-Benz and a suspect allegedly hiding in its boot.
Image: SAPS
Inside the residence, police allegedly found a substantial quantity of suspected drugs, including dagga, tik, khat, cocaine and mandrax tablets.
Officers also confiscated numerous smoking pipes, insulin syringes and a portable measuring scale.
An undisclosed amount of cash was seized, while additional suspected drugs and insulin needles were found in the Mercedes-Benz.
Van Rensburg said the haul represented a major blow to suspected drug dealing in the area.
“A substantial quantity of suspected drugs, including dagga, tik, khat, cocaine and mandrax tablets, together with numerous smoking pipes, insulin syringes and a portable measuring scale, was confiscated.”
The total estimated street value of the suspected drugs seized during the operation is approximately R1.5 million.
Three suspects are facing charges after police seized suspected drugs worth about R1.5 million, along with cash, smoking pipes, syringes and a measuring scale.
Image: SAPS
Two foreign nationals, Kelvin Ike, 36, and Okeke Joseph Sunday, 52, were arrested for possession of drugs.
They appeared in the Gqeberha Magistrate’s Court, where their matter was postponed to Monday, August 31.
A 42-year-old suspect who was detained on a charge of dealing in drugs is also expected to appear in court on Monday.
Van Rensburg said police would continue targeting those involved in the illegal drug trade.
“The swift response by Operation UKUBUZA members to the information received resulted in a significant quantity of suspected drugs being removed from the streets.”
Acting NMB District Commissioner Brigadier Loyiso Ngalo commended the officers involved for their swift response.
Van Rensburg said the operation formed part of ongoing efforts to disrupt criminal networks.
“Operations targeting drug dealers and other criminal activities will continue as SAPS intensifies efforts to disrupt criminal networks and create safer communities.”
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