Nigerian student arrested with N49m cocaine in S’Africa

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A 27-year-old Nigerian has been arrested in Umbilo, South Africa, for allegedly possessing cocaine valued at over R600,000 (about N49m).

PUNCH Metro gathered on Wednesday that 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 reportedly apprehended by operatives of the Metro Police Tactical Support Unit, the Metro Police Task Team, and the 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.

According to a report by Prime Time News ZA, the suspect was found with high-purity cocaine concealed in a sock.

A subsequent search of his apartment allegedly 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. Punch