Man tries to pass drugs to relative in EL courtroom

A MAN was caught brazenly passing drugs under the noses of court officials yesterday.

Police said he was arrested inside the East London Magistrate’s Court where a relative, Innocent Nwankwo, 39, was on trial for a 2012 drug dealing charge.

Regional magistrate Ignatius Kitching had just left the room after postponing Nwankwo’s case to August 2 when his unidentified relative in the gallery stood up and handed him toiletries and tobacco.

East London police spokesman Captain Nkosikho Mzuku said as per protocol, a court orderly searched the parcel and found crystal methamphetamine (tik) stashed inside the items.

The incident occurred in front of shocked prosecutors, attorneys and Hawks detectives.

The suspect is scheduled to appear in the East London Magistrate’s Court for possession of drugs shortly.

East London cluster commander Major-General Lungile Nqamqele yesterday commended the officer for the sterling job.

“Once more we are stamping our authority against drugs because even the said accused was initially arrested for drugs.

“We will stop at nothing in making sure that we intercept those who are involved in dealing with drugs.

“We further urge community members to continue providing us with information about drugs in their communities,” added Nqamqele. — Zwanga Mukhuthu