The South African Police Service (SAPS) has arrested two Nigerian nationals and seized suspected drugs valued at R1.5 million, about N125 million, in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape.

The arrests and seizure were disclosed in a statement issued by SAPS on Sunday following an intelligence-led operation conducted on Thursday, August 27, under Operation Ukubuza in the Central area of Gqeberha.

The suspects were identified as 36-year-old Kelvin Ike and 52-year-old Okeke Joseph Sunday.

According to the statement, police acted on information about suspected drug dealing activities on Parliament Street, Central, leading to the arrest of the two men who were allegedly found in possession of suspected narcotics.

A third suspect, aged 42, was also arrested after police allegedly found him with a large amount of cash which he could not satisfactorily explain. SAPS said an inquiry had been opened concerning the money.

The operation reportedly began when a police K9 officer noticed a white Mercedes-Benz B200 Turbo parked in the area, with suspected drugs visible inside the vehicle.

“A search of the vehicle and its immediate surroundings resulted in a plastic bag containing suspected drugs being found near the rear tyre,” SAPS noted.

Police subsequently traced the owner of the vehicle, who reportedly confirmed that he had been renting it out and permitted officers to search the car.

The search took another turn when officers allegedly discovered a suspect hiding in the boot of the Mercedes-Benz.

Police said a key found in the suspect’s possession led investigators to a flat, where another search was carried out.

The operation resulted in the seizure of various suspected drugs, including dagga, tik, khat, cocaine and mandrax tablets.

Officers also recovered several smoking pipes, insulin syringes, a portable measuring scale and an undisclosed amount of cash.

“Additional suspected drugs and insulin needles were also confiscated from the Mercedes-Benz,” the police said.

The two Nigerians were subsequently charged in connection with possession of drugs and appeared before the Gqeberha Magistrate’s Court. Their case was adjourned until Monday, August 31.

The 42-year-old suspect, who was arrested on a charge of dealing in drugs, is also expected to appear before the same court.

Acting Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Brigadier Loyiso Ngalo, commended the officers involved in the operation, saying their response to the intelligence had helped remove a significant quantity of suspected drugs from the streets.

“The swift response to the information received” was crucial to the success of the operation, Ngalo said.

He added that police would continue operations against suspected drug dealers and other criminal networks as part of efforts to make communities safer.

The arrests come at a particularly sensitive period in Nigeria-South Africa relations, with the treatment of foreign nationals, especially Nigerians, generating renewed diplomatic and public concern.

The Gqeberha arrests, however, were presented by SAPS as a conventional anti-drug operation based on intelligence received by the police. The statement did not link the suspects’ nationality to the alleged offences or suggest any connection between the arrests and the ongoing anti-immigrant protests.

The latest operation therefore comes as South African authorities face the difficult task of tackling organised crime while also responding to growing criticism over xenophobia and the treatment of migrants.

SAPS said its operations against drug dealers and criminal networks would continue, stressing the need to disrupt criminal activities and improve public safety.