Police Report Exposes Nigerian Cartels Dominating South Africa’s Multi-million Drug Trade, Controlling Cocaine, Heroin, Mandrax, and Synthetic Markets Across Multiple Provinces
A confidential police report submitted to parliament by suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has exposed the names of South Africa’s most notorious drug traffickers.
Compiled by SAPS Crime Intelligence and Forensic Services, the report reveals that Nigerian syndicates dominate the country’s illicit drug trade, particularly in cocaine, heroin, and synthetic drugs, Sunday World reported.
These networks operate across multiple provinces, using sophisticated methods for distribution and concealment.
Cocaine, largely sourced from Colombia, Brazil, and Peru, arrives in powder form and is locally reprocessed for sale.
Shipments transit through Nigeria, Ghana, Togo, and Angola before entering South Africa.
Key entry points include OR Tambo International Airport, Cape Town International Airport, and maritime ports in Durban, Cape Town, and Port Elizabeth.
Nigerian traffickers rely heavily on human couriers or “body packers,” and use guesthouses, informal retail outlets, and nightclubs for distribution.
The report identifies the top Nigerian kingpins operating in various provinces: 
Stanley Egbo – Gauteng Michael Ifebuche – Gauteng Sunny Nwobodo – Gauteng Johnson Aneke – Gauteng Kingsley Chukwu – Gauteng Uneh Umeh – Free State Uneh Ukuruibe – Free State Yusuf Kaloo – North West Tonny Okechukwu – North West David Chukwu – North West Augustine Enejike – Limpopo Simon Nkahukwu – Limpopo The report highlights that Nigerian syndicates operate through familiar tribal connections, often marrying locals to gain permanent residency, which strengthens their networks.
Stanley Egbo – Gauteng Michael Ifebuche – Gauteng Sunny Nwobodo – Gauteng Johnson Aneke – Gauteng Kingsley Chukwu – Gauteng Uneh Umeh – Free State Uneh Ukuruibe – Free State Yusuf Kaloo – North West Tonny Okechukwu – North West David Chukwu – North West Augustine Enejike – Limpopo Simon Nkahukwu – Limpopo The report highlights that Nigerian syndicates operate through familiar tribal connections, often marrying locals to gain permanent residency, which strengthens their networks.Coastal provinces—Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal—remain dominated by local drug lords, who compete fiercely with Nigerian syndicates.
Dagga and mandrax remain widely used, while cocaine is increasingly popular among middle-class users.
