GQEBERHA – A major Gqeberha drug bust under Operation Ukubuza has resulted in the confiscation of approximately R1.5 million in narcotics, dealing a severe disruption to illicit distribution networks in the city’s Central district.
On Thursday, 27 August 2026, at approximately 11:00, law enforcement representatives acted on credible intelligence pointing to active drug sales along Parliament Street. This prompted an immediate tactical response, leading to the apprehension of two men found in possession of suspected narcotics. During the same sweep, a third individual was detained after officers discovered a significant sum of unexplained cash on his person, initiating a formal financial enquiry into the funds’ origin.
As the operation progressed, a specialized K9 unit officer identified a white Mercedes-Benz B200 Turbo parked nearby with visible suspected drugs inside the cabin. A subsequent perimeter and vehicle search uncovered a plastic bag containing illicit substances concealed near the rear tyre.
Authorities successfully traced the registered owner of the vehicle, who confirmed the car was being rented out and explicitly authorized a comprehensive search. During this inspection, officers made a startling discovery: a suspect concealed inside the vehicle’s boot. This individual was found in possession of a residential key, which directed authorities to a nearby flat.
Executing a search at the residence, officials uncovered a substantial cache of controlled substances. The seizure included dagga, tik, khat, cocaine, and mandrax tablets, alongside drug paraphernalia such as smoking pipes, insulin syringes, and a portable measuring scale. An undisclosed quantity of cash was also recovered on the premises. Combined with additional suspected narcotics and insulin needles seized directly from the Mercedes-Benz, the total estimated street value of the confiscated drugs reached R1.5 million.
Following the operation, two foreign nationals, 36-year-old Kelvin Ike and 52-year-old Okeke Joseph Sunday, were formally arrested and charged with drug possession. Additionally, a 42-year-old suspect was detained on charges of dealing in drugs. All three individuals are scheduled to appear at the Gqeberha Magistrate’s Court, with their matters officially remanded to Monday, 31 August 2026.
Law enforcement officials have emphasized that Operation Ukubuza remains actively committed to dismantling local drug distribution networks and ensuring community safety through targeted, intelligence-led interventions.
