Illegal foreign nationals sentenced for possession of drugs worth R129k

Augustine Chekezile Ugwu (44) and Juliet Chioma Nwachukwo (44) appeared before the Sasolburg Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, October 5, where they pleaded guilty and were sentenced to jail for dealing with drugs and for illegal immigration.

Two years back, July 17, 2022, the Hawks police were tipped-off about the suspects who were dealing with drugs at a house in Kalahari Villas, Vaalpark.

“The members [police] of Sasolburg K9 and the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team all based in Sasolburg followed up on the information and executed a search at the house,” says Free State Hawks spokesperson captain Christopher Singo.

It is reported that during the highly intensified search operation, the police discovered drugs and chemicals with the estimated value of R129 000.

“All drugs that were found were seized including two vehicles, a BMW and a Hyundai. The suspects were then arrested,” Singo elaborates.

The court on Wednesday, then found the two accused guilty of for dealing in drugs and for illegal immigration.

The first accused, Ugwu was handed a hefty 10 years imprisonment of which five years is suspended for five years.

He was also sentenced to two years imprisonment for illegal immigration.

The second accused, Nwachukwo was sentenced to three years imprisonment for a fraudulent passport and asylum papers, he also received an addition two years behind bars for illegal immigration.

Ugwu will serve seven years direct imprisonment whereas Nwachukwo will serve five years direct imprisonment.