The South African Police Service (SAPS), working with Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), has intensified its anti-drug trafficking operations at OR Tambo International Airport, resulting in the arrest of two additional suspected drug mules and the recovery of large quantities of narcotics over a three-day period.
The latest arrests bring the total number of suspected drug traffickers intercepted at the airport to four since 25 April, underscoring what authorities describe as heightened vigilance at the country’s busiest international travel hub.
Acted on intelligence
In the most recent operation on the evening of 27 April, police acted on intelligence regarding suspected traffickers planning to travel to Frankfurt and London via Doha.
Officers intercepted a 66-year-old Somali national in possession of a Netherlands passport.
A search of his luggage led to the discovery of approximately 55kg of khat, with an estimated street value exceeding R100 000.
On the same day, officers also discovered abandoned luggage at the airport containing a further 45kg of khat, valued at more than R90 000. Investigations are underway to determine the origin and intended destination of the consignment.
Coordinated operation
In a separate incident on 25 April, a multidisciplinary law enforcement team, acting on intelligence, arrested a 33-year-old South African woman who was reportedly en route to Hong Kong.
A search of her luggage uncovered drugs suspected to be cocaine and crystal methamphetamine, with an estimated value exceeding R500 000.
SAPS said the coordinated operations highlight ongoing efforts to disrupt transnational drug trafficking networks operating through South Africa’s ports of entry.
The arrests were made through collaboration between airport security personnel, customs officials and specialised police units.
To appear in court
All three suspects are expected to appear in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court this week on charges related to drug trafficking.
Police have confirmed that investigations are continuing, with further arrests not ruled out as authorities trace possible links to broader smuggling syndicates.
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