Five suspects who are allegedly in a drug syndicate are facing 14 counts of dealing with drugs, valued at over R2 million.

The Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit in collaboration with the National Intervention Unit (NIU), the Hawks’ Tactical Operations Management Section (TOMS), Stilfontein Dog Unit, Potchefstroom Drug Task Team, Ekurhuleni District Task Team, and Bad Boyz Security arrested the five suspects on Wednesday 13 September 2023, during a takedown operation, which was conducted in the North West and Gauteng provinces.

The Potchefstroom Magistrates’ Court postponed the case today (Friday, 15 September) against Veronica Agu (30), Pascal Enuma Ezekwueme (51), Solomon Ezeh (38), Robinson Ikechukwa Okoye (44) and Kingsley Ikenna Onbumneme (41), to Wednesday 20 September 2023, for formal bail application. The four males are all Nigerian nationals.

According to National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame, the verification process to determine their status is underway and the state intends to oppose their bail application.

“According to the report, information was received about a syndicate alleged to be involved in the distribution and selling of illegal narcotics in the two provinces. The information was operationalised and the team pounced on the suspects at various identified houses. All five will remain in police custody until the next court appearance,” added Mamothame.