South African police have arrested a 27-year-old Nigerian student in Umbilo for allegedly possessing cocaine valued at about N49 million.
The suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed, reportedly entered the country on a student visa and may be linked to a previous drug-related case in 2025.
He was caught during a targeted operation by the Metro Police Tactical Support Unit, the Metro Police Task Team, and the SAPS KwaZulu-Natal Counter Narcotics Unit.
Authorities, acting on intelligence, had obtained a search warrant and moved in on the suspect. He was intercepted immediately after stepping out of his vehicle, where officers conducted a search.
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During the search, police reportedly found high-purity cocaine concealed in a sock on him. A subsequent raid on his apartment uncovered additional narcotics, bringing the total estimated value to nearly R600,000 (about N49 million).
Investigators further revealed that funds continued to flow into the suspect’s account even after his arrest, raising suspicions of a broader drug trafficking network. The case has been referred to the Asset Forfeiture Unit for further investigation.
Authorities say the arrest forms part of an ongoing crackdown on drug syndicates, with several other suspects already in custody as investigations continue.
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