A magistrate court in Vereeniging, South Africa, has remanded two Nigerian men in custody after they were arrested for allegedly dealing in narcotics.

They are Amandi Henry Ogbuonye, aged 39, and Amobi Christian Eze, aged 30.

The duo’s arrest, according to multiple reports, came after law enforcement agencies were alerted to suspected illegal drug dealings at a residential dwelling in the Vereeniging area.

According to Captain Ndivhuwo Mulamu, the Gauteng spokesperson for the Hawks – the South African Police Services’ Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) – a search and seize warrant was issued for the police operation.

“On Friday 11 March 2022, the investigation team kept surveillance at a positively identified premises and pounced on the accused allegedly packaging drugs in small plastic packets for distribution,” said Mulamu.

Mulamu went on to describe how the accused fled the scene on foot, abandoning some of the suspected drugs on the premises.

“A chase ensued, and authorities found both Ogbuonye and Eze hiding at their neighbour’s ceiling, in possession of more drugs. They were immediately apprehended and charged with illegal dealing in drugs and possession of drugs,” said Mulamu.

“Amongst other seized items, the investigation team confiscated a silver Chevrolet, electronic gadgets and narcotics worth approximately R700 000 (about ₦19.2 million).”

Ogbuonye and Eze were remanded in custody when they appeared before the Vereeniging Magistrate’s Court on Monday, pending further investigations.

Their case was adjourned to March 23. (The Guardian with Agency Reports)

•PHOTO: Composite image by The Guardian of Amandi Henry Ogbuonye and Amobi Christian Eze who were arrested for allegedly dealing in narcotics. Original photos by Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation.

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