A 27-year-old Nigerian student has been arrested in Umbilo, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, after he was allegedly found in possession of cocaine valued at about N49 million.
The suspect, whose identity was yet to be disclosed as of press time, was apprehended on Monday by a joint team of the Metro Police Tactical Support Unit, Metro Police Task Team and the South African Police Service KwaZulu-Natal Counter Narcotics Unit.
Authorities said the suspect was intercepted as he exited his vehicle, during which operatives discovered high-purity cocaine concealed in a sock.
A subsequent search of his residence led to the recovery of additional quantities of the substance, bringing the total estimated street value of the seized drugs to nearly R600,000.
Investigators further revealed that the suspect had reportedly been arrested in 2025 over a similar offence involving cocaine valued at over R400,000, raising concerns about his alleged links to a broader drug trafficking network.
Sources within law enforcement agencies disclosed that the latest arrest forms part of an ongoing crackdown on a suspected international drug syndicate with alleged Nigerian connections, involved in the trafficking, production, storage and distribution of narcotics.
An eNCA senior reporter, Dasen Thathiah, disclosed that the suspect entered South Africa on a student visa.
“According to his documents, he came to South Africa from Nigeria to study. Even after his arrest, in the presence of police officers, money continued to flow into his account,” he was quoted as saying.
Authorities have since referred the case to the Asset Forfeiture Unit for further investigation, particularly into the financial transactions linked to the suspect.
Meanwhile, several other individuals have been arrested in connection with the syndicate, as investigations continue.
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