Two Nigerian nationals, Ikemukwu Benjermin Ezirim, 39, and Christian Valentine Uchenna, 37, were apprehended in Volkrust, South Africa.
The arrest was part of a coordinated operation by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, commonly known as the Hawks, alongside other law enforcement units.
The suspects, who were undocumented, were found in possession of drugs valued at over N111 million (approximately $265,000).
The operation, which took place on November 29, 2024, also uncovered R1.2 million worth of drugs, R2000 in cash, five cellphones, a silver weighing scale, and a Silver Mercedes-Benz C180.
According to Captain Dineo Sekgotodi, spokesperson for the Hawks, "Upon arrival at the identified address, the suspect attempted to dispose of the evidence by flushing some of the drugs down the toilet."
Despite their efforts to destroy evidence, the suspects were detained and later appeared in the Volkrust Magistrate's Court.
They have been remanded in custody, with a bail application set for December 9. The operation's success was largely attributed to tips from vigilant community members, showing the critical role of public cooperation in combating drug-related crimes.
Nicholas Jacobus Gerber, the provincial head of the Hawks, expressed gratitude towards the community, stating, "We appreciate the information provided by community members which led to the arrest of the suspects and seizure of the drugs."
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