The Bloemfontein Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit has uncovered a foreign national’s modus operandi of dealing in drugs from a shop in Bloemfontein’s CBD, thanks to reliable information received. The elite crime fighting wing arrested the culprit, Chibuike Johnbosco Ezike (29), during a disruptive operation on Wednesday, 29 November.
WO Fikiswa Matoti, Free State spokesperson for the Hawks, said the suspect was remanded in custody after appearing briefly in the Bloemfontein Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 1 December, on a charge of dealing with drugs. Ezike’s matter was remanded to 11 December for bail application.
Matoti said probing uncovered that Ezike was disguising his small business, Ugoo Best Trading, to sell drugs. The suspect is operating his business of general trading from a small business premises in Douglas street. The value of drugs confiscated as part of evidence is yet to be determined.
Matoti said the Hawks obtained a warrant to search Ezike’s shop.
“Information was received about a person selling drugs, fronting with the shop to conceal his criminal activities. Upon searching the shop, the police found four transparent bank bags containing the suspected CAT drug. The suspect was arrested on the spot,” said Matoti.
