December 1 (ANA) – Two men were arrested on Thursday for possession of about 1.8kg of cocaine with an estimated street value of R630,000 at a vehicle check point outside Grahamstown, Eastern Cape police said.
Spokesperson Captain Khaya Tonjeni said the men, aged between 36 and 42, weree both Nigerian nationals.
“This vehicle check point (VCP) was part of the Cluster Task Team Festive Season operations on the N2 between Grahamstown and Port Elizabeth. The vehicle was travelling en route to Port Elizabeth when it was pulled over by the members after they noticed that it did not have a number plate on the front,” Tonjeni said.
“The members searched the front bonnet and noticed a packet hidden below the front windscreen wipers. On further investigation the members discovered three neatly wrapped parcels containing cocaine. The two suspects tried to bribe the officials by offering them a sum of R12,000 that was hidden in a shoe in the backseat of their vehicle.”
The two men were arrested and charged for possession of drugs and bribing an officer of the law. Tonjeni said that they are expected to appear in the Grahamstown Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
Their vehicle was confiscated for further inspection and to ascertain if it was stolen or not.
Grahamstown Cluster Commander, Brigadier David Kanuka congratulated the members for the arrest and said the police would continue to rid Grahamstown of crime and drug smuggling.
“We will execute crime prevention operations on a daily basis and the necessary disruptions to ensure the safety and protection of our community from these criminal elements,” said Kanuka.
He also commended the officers for not falling prey to the bribe they were offered, and for remaining true to their calling as officers of the law.
– African News Agency (ANA)
