A 52-year-old man was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport on Sunday, September 20, after police seized drugs suspected to be heroin worth more than R2 million. The arrest was made during an intelligence-led operation involving the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Border Management Authority (BMA). The suspect had just arrived on a flight from Accra, Ghana, when he was intercepted at the airport.
A search of the suspect's luggage allegedly uncovered bullet-like objects and blocks containing substances suspected to be heroin. The drugs have an estimated street value of more than R2 million. The suspect is expected to appear in the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court later this week on drug trafficking-related charges. Investigations are continuing.
The latest arrest brings to three the number of suspected drug mules arrested at OR Tambo International Airport in the past three weeks. Earlier this month, a 54-year-old man was arrested at the airport after police allegedly found cocaine concealed in his luggage. He was reportedly travelling to Hong Kong, China.
Four days later, police arrested another 45-year-old man at OR Tambo after allegedly finding about 2kg of cocaine, worth more than R800 000, in his luggage. He was also allegedly travelling to Hong Kong. These recent arrests follow several major drug seizures at the airport, highlighting the ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking.
Last month, police seized about 334kg of suspected cocaine in two separate interceptions at OR Tambo, with an estimated street value of more than R200 million. The drugs were found in two suitcases at the airport terminal and in four boxes in the cargo section. No arrests had been made in connection with those seizures at the time.
SAPS said it would continue with intelligence-led and targeted operations aimed at disrupting international drug trafficking networks. The authorities are working to identify and apprehend individuals involved in these networks, and to prevent further drug seizures at the airport.
The suspect's arrest and the seizure of the suspected heroin demonstrate the effectiveness of the collaboration between SAPS and the BMA in combating drug trafficking. The authorities have urged the public to report any suspicious activities and to support their efforts to keep the country safe from drug-related crimes.
Key points
- The suspect, a 52-year-old man, was arrested with heroin worth over R2 million in his luggage at OR Tambo International Airport.
- This is the third suspected drug mule arrested at OR Tambo International Airport in the past three weeks.
- SAPS and the BMA are continuing with intelligence-led operations to disrupt international drug trafficking networks.
