HUNT FOR MAN LABELLED SA'S BIGGEST DRUG KINGPIN

Police have launched a nationwide manhunt for a Nigerian man believed to be
one of South Africa's biggest drug kingpins.

The search for Chinedu "China" Kevin Okeke (27), who is married to a South
African woman, was launched earlier this week by detectives from Operation
West.

Operation West is a joint project between the South African Police Services
and the Durban Metro Police aimed at cracking down on West African crime
syndicates using South Africa as a base of operation.

Okeke, who has both Nigerian and South African citizenship, is believed to
head one of South Africa's biggest drug cartels and is alleged to
specialise in smuggling heroin and cocaine into South Africa from South
America and Asia.

Okeke, who is wanted on numerous drug charges, is also wanted for his
alleged role in the kidnapping of several South African and Nigerian
businessmen.

The men were allegedly kidnapped by Okeke's syndicate after they failed to
pay debts owed to him.

Speaking to the Pretoria News, head of Operation West, Superintendent
Willie Louw, said Okeke was wanted in connection with various drug-related
offences committed in Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town where he
was believed to be in control of those cities' drug worlds.

He said that Okeke has allegedly been the head of one of the country's
biggest drug syndicates for the past six years and was believed to be part
of the Nigerian criminal underworld.

"We have an arrest warrant for Okeke and want to question him in connection
with his role in several kidnappings and about his part in several drug
deals," he said.

Louw said they had been investigating Okeke for several months and had now
launched a nationwide manhunt for him since he disappeared a few weeks ago.

He urged people not to confront Okeke as he was considered to be highly
dangerous and armed.

Anyone with information on Okeke's whereabouts can contact Inspector Eddie
von Bargen on 083 281 1288. - Crime Reporter.