Undocumented Nigerian men caught with drugs worth R1.2 million spend weekend behind bars

Ikemukwu Benjermin Ezirim, 39, and Christian Valentine Uchenna, 37, were arrested after they allegedly found with drugs worth R1.2 million in Volkrust, Mpumalanga. Photo: Supplied/Hawks

Ikemukwu Benjermin Ezirim, 39, and Christian Valentine Uchenna, 37, were arrested after they allegedly found with drugs worth R1.2 million in Volkrust, Mpumalanga. Photo: Supplied/Hawks

Published Nov 30, 2024

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Two undocumented Nigerian men have been remanded in custody after appearing in the Volkrust Magistrates Court in Mpumalanga for drug related charges.

Captain Dineo Sekgotodi, spokesperson of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, also known as the Hawks, said the men, Ikemukwu Benjermin Ezirim, 39. and Christian Valentine Uchenna, 37, were arrested on Thursday in Volkrust during multidisciplinary disruptive operations conducted by the Secunda based Serious Organised Crime Investigation, Serious Corruption Investigation, Serious Commercial Crime Investigation, Standerton K9 Unit amongst others.

"The disruptive operation followed after information was received and operationalised by the team regarding suspects who are dealing in drugs. Upon arrival at the identified address, the suspect attempted to dispose the evidence by flushing some of the drugs down the toilet.

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"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 are without valid documents. They were arrested, charged and detained," said Sekgotodi.

Sekgotodi said police found drugs to the value of R1.2 million, money to the amount of R2000, five cellphones with an estimated value of R15000 3, a silver weighing scale, and a Silver Mercedes-Benz C180 with an estimated value of R400,000.

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The men appeared in court on Friday and where they were remanded in custody.

Their case was postponed to December 9, 2024, for bail application. 

Meanwhile, the provincial head of Hawks Nicholas Jacobus Gerber appreciated community members who provided information which led to the arrest of the suspects and seizure of the drugs.