Volkrust – Two suspected drug dealers were arrested at their residence by police after they were caught trying to flush the narcotics worth millions of rand down the toilet.
The accused 39-year-old Ikemukwu Benjermin Ezirim and 37-year-old Christian Valentine Uchenna appeared in the Volkrust Magistrate’s Court in Mpumalanga on Friday, (29 November 2024).
A spokesperson for elite crime busters – the Hawks – Captain Dineo Lucy Sekgotodi said the pair were arrested on Thursday, (28 November 2024), in Volkrust, Mpumalanga.
Captain Sekgotodi said the Nigerians were arrested after law enforcers followed up on a tip-off.
The raid was conducted by a team comprising of SA Police Service Secunda-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit, Serious Corruption Investigation unit, Serious Commercial Crime Investigation, and Standerton K9 unit.
ACSU Security also assisted in the raid.
Narrating details of the arrest, Captain Sekgotodi said: “Upon arrival at the identified address, the suspect attempted to dispose of the evidence by flushing some of the drugs down the toilet.
“The suspects were apprehended and taken to the vehicle where more drugs were found hidden in the body of the vehicle and tyres.
“During the search, it was discovered that the two suspects were without valid documents [To be in the country]. They were arrested, charged and detained.”
Drugs with an estimated value of R1,2 million were seized by the police.
Other items seized by law enforcers included:
- Cash: R2 000 in different notes.
- Five cellphones estimated value R15 000
- Silver weighing scale estimated value R200
- Silver Mercedes-Benz
- C180 with an estimated value of R400 000
The accused Ezirim and Uchenna have been remanded in custody and will next appear in court on 9 December 2024.
Commenting on the matter, Hawks Provincial Head Major General Gerber said he appreciated the community members who provided information that led to the arrest of the suspects and seizure of the drugs.
