2 arrested for drug trafficking at OR Tambo International Airport

The South African Police Service (SAPS) arrested two South African nationals on Friday for drug trafficking at OR Tambo International Airport.

Drug Bust at OR Tambo

According to Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk, the two suspects, a man and a woman, arrived on separate flights from Brazil before being intercepted by police officers.

Upon further inspection, officers discovered that the female suspect was carrying cocaine worth R2.5 million, while the male suspect had R5 million worth of cocaine hidden in his luggage.

Van Wyk confirmed that both individuals were immediately arrested and will face drug trafficking charges. Investigations are ongoing, and authorities are working to determine whether they are part of a larger international drug smuggling network.

Drug Trafficking in South Africa

OR Tambo International Airport has become a key entry point for international drug trafficking networks, particularly those operating between South America and South Africa.

Authorities have seen a significant increase in drug-related arrests, especially involving passengers arriving from Brazil, a known hotspot for cocaine production and trafficking.

Major Drug Seizures in 2023

Last year, SAPS intercepted several suspects attempting to smuggle drugs through OR Tambo International Airport.

September 2023 – Record Drug Bullet Seizure

One of the most notable cases occurred in September 2023, when a 21-year-old South African woman was arrested after arriving from São Paulo, Brazil.

• She was found to have swallowed 110 drug bullets, the highest number of drug-filled capsules intercepted in eight years.
• She was detained following a joint operation between SAPS and SARS Customs, which flagged her for profiling.
• After being taken to a medical facility, she expelled the drug bullets, which tested positive for cocaine.

Namibian Drug Mule Arrested

In the same month, a 30-year-old Namibian woman was arrested at OR Tambo Airport.

• She also arrived from São Paulo and was found to have swallowed over 60 drug bullets.
• Like the South African woman, she was taken for medical examination, where the drugs were retrieved.
• She was formally charged with drug trafficking.

Nigerian Drug Mule Caught Smuggling Cocaine

One week before the Namibian woman’s arrest, SAPS intercepted a Nigerian drug mule who had also arrived from São Paulo.

• He was caught attempting to smuggle cocaine hidden in aircraft headphones.
• The drugs were discovered during a security check, leading to his immediate arrest.
• He, too, was charged with drug trafficking.

SAPS and SARS Efforts to Combat Drug Smuggling

Authorities at OR Tambo continue to tighten security and monitor high-risk flights, particularly those arriving from known drug-trafficking hubs.

The National Commissioner of SAPS, General Fannie Masemola, praised the collaboration between SAPS, SARS Customs, and other stakeholders in tackling drug smuggling.

Official Statement from SAPS Commissioner

Masemola commended the vigilance of law enforcement officers at OR Tambo:

“Our men and women in blue, working closely with SARS Customs and various stakeholders, continue to assert the authority of the state at all our ports of entry.”

He further urged officers to intensify their efforts, stating:

“We appreciate the hard work and dedication of our members and urge them to do more to squeeze the space for criminals. Drug traffickers are feeling the heat, and there is nowhere to hide.”

The Fight Against Drug Trafficking

Despite ongoing efforts, drug trafficking remains a major challenge in South Africa, particularly at ports of entry like OR Tambo International Airport.

Authorities have noted that:

• Cocaine is the most commonly smuggled drug, followed by heroin and methamphetamine.
• Many traffickers swallow drug bullets to avoid detection.
• Criminal syndicates use unsuspecting couriers, often young women, to transport drugs into South Africa.

With continued collaboration between SAPS, SARS, and international law enforcement agencies, authorities hope to disrupt major trafficking operations and prevent more illicit substances from entering the country.

Conclusion

The latest arrests at OR Tambo highlight the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat drug trafficking. While authorities remain committed to fighting the drug trade, criminal networks continue to find new ways to smuggle drugs into the country.

As security measures tighten, SAPS and SARS remain focused on identifying, intercepting, and dismantling these trafficking networks, ensuring that South Africa does not become a hub for international drug smuggling.