A 27-year-old Nigerian man on Wednesday, March 18, was arrested in Umbilo, South Africa, for possessing cocaine valued at over R600,000 (about N49 million).
The suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed, is believed to have entered the country on a student visa and may be linked to a previous drug-related case in 2025.
He was apprehended by operatives of the Metro Police Tactical Support Unit, the Metro Police Task Team, and the South African Police Service (SAPS), KwaZulu-Natal Counter Narcotics Unit.
The arrest took place on Monday after the suspect stepped out of his vehicle while officers were executing a search warrant.
The suspect was found with high-purity cocaine concealed in a sock.
A subsequent search of his apartment uncovered additional narcotics, bringing the total estimated value to nearly R600,000.
Authorities said the arrest forms part of an ongoing investigation into a suspected drug trafficking network with links to Nigerian nationals, believed to be involved in the importation, production, concealment, and distribution of illicit substances.
Several other suspects have already been arrested in connection with the operation.
The development comes amid recent reports of over 100 Nigerians arrested in Ghana over fraud and related offences.
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