The South African Police Service (SAPS) has launched a manhunt for a 41-year-old Nigerian national, Stanley Ozioma Abachi, over an alleged drug trafficking case registered in 2022.
SAPS said in a statement on Sunday that Abachi is wanted in connection with a case of drug possession and trafficking that was registered in April 2022.
According to the police, Abachi was last seen in Welkom, Free State, while officers have obtained a warrant for his arrest.
The Senekal police appealed to members of the public to provide information that could assist in locating him.
Anyone with information on Abachi’s whereabouts was asked to contact Senekal Detective Commander Captain Calvert on 082 466 7635, Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or submit an anonymous report through the MySAPS App.
The latest development comes after SaharaReporters reported earlier on Sunday that SAPS had arrested two Nigerian nationals and another suspect during a drug operation in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape.
The operation, conducted on Thursday, August 27, resulted in the seizure of suspected drugs with an estimated street value of R1.5 million (about N125 million).
The two Nigerians were identified as 36-year-old Kelvin Ike and 52-year-old Okeke Joseph Sunday.
Police said the operation was carried out under Operation Ukubuza following intelligence about suspected drug dealing in Parliament Street, Central, Gqeberha.
During the operation, a police K9 officer reportedly detected suspected drugs in a white Mercedes-Benz B200 Turbo parked in the area.
A subsequent search led to the discovery of additional drugs and a suspect allegedly hiding in the vehicle’s boot.
Police said a key found on the suspect led officers to a flat, where they recovered suspected dagga, tik, khat, cocaine and mandrax tablets, as well as smoking pipes, insulin syringes, a measuring scale and cash.
Ike and Sunday were arraigned before the Gqeberha Magistrate’s Court, where their case was adjourned until Monday, August 31. The 42-year-old suspect arrested on a drug-dealing charge was also expected to appear in court on the same date.