Pretoria - The Gauteng Hawks have welcomed the judgment handed down by the Benoni Magistrate’s Court against seven suspects for drug dealing.
The seven Nigerian nationals were each sentenced to an effective 15 years without an option of a fine for dealing in drugs last week after they were found guilty. The combined sentenced is 105 years.
The Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Prince Mokotedi, welcomed the sentence passed on the seven suspects and praised the members for a job well done.
“This is indeed a welcomed precedent set by our courts and this will help our efforts to combat drug trafficking a great deal. We are proud of our team’s efforts in ensuring a successful prosecution in this matter.
“Such convictions will motivate our members to work even harder. From now on, drug dealers will feel the full might of the law. We are more determined to fight this scourge,” said Mokotedi.
The Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime members acted on a tip-off and arrested the convicts.
Valentine Chigbo Okoye (36), Patrick Chime Uche (38), Chucks Ugo Thomas (37), Emeka Azodo (40), Chinaemelum Uba (24) and Chucku Imeka Ekwemozok (34) were arrested in October 2014 after they were found packaging heroine worth an estimated R214 000 into small wrappings for distribution in Crystalpark, Benoni.
They attempted on several occasions to apply for bail. However, they were not successful as they were considered flight risks. – SAnews.gov.za
