Three arrested as police seize R1.5 million drug stash in Gqeberha

Police have dealt a major blow to suspected drug dealing in Gqeberha after Operation UKUBUZA members seized drugs worth an estimated R1.5 million in the Central area.

The operation took place on Thursday, 27 August 2026, at about 11am after SAPS received information about people allegedly selling drugs in Parliament Street.

Three suspects arrested

Police acted on the tip-off and arrested two men allegedly found in possession of suspected drugs.

Police found a third man with a large amount of cash that he could not satisfactorily account for and opened an inquiry into the cash.

During the operation, a K9 member noticed a white Mercedes-Benz B200 Turbo parked in the street, with what appeared to be drugs visible inside the vehicle.

Officers searched the vehicle and its immediate surroundings and found a plastic bag containing suspected drugs near the rear tyre.

Police then traced the vehicle’s owner. He told officers that he had rented out the Mercedes-Benz and permitted them to search it.

During the search, officers found a man hiding in the boot.

Drugs, cash and equipment seized

Police found a key to a flat on the suspect, which led them to a residence where they conducted another search.

The search uncovered suspected dagga, tik, khat, cocaine and mandrax tablets.

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

Police valued the suspected drugs seized during the operation at approximately R1.5 million.

Police also found additional suspected drugs and insulin needles inside the Mercedes-Benz.

Two foreign nationals, Kelvin Ike, 36, and Okeke Joseph Sunday, 52, appeared in the Gqeberha Magistrate’s Court on drug possession charges.

The court remanded their case to Monday, 31 August.

The 42-year-old suspect arrested on a charge of dealing in drugs is also expected to appear in court on Monday.

Police vow to continue operations

Acting NMB District Commissioner Brigadier Loyiso Ngalo praised the Operation UKUBUZA team for acting swiftly on the information and removing a significant quantity of suspected drugs from the streets.

SAPS said operations targeting drug dealers and other criminal activities will continue as it works to disrupt criminal networks and improve safety in communities.