Drug mule arrested at Cape Town International Airport with cocaine

A 33-year-old woman has been arrested at Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) after authorities discovered cocaine hidden inside her luggage. The suspect, who had arrived on a flight from Brazil, is also believed to have swallowed drug pellets in an attempt to smuggle narcotics into South Africa.

Authorities Acted on a Tip-Off

The arrest was the result of intelligence received by law enforcement, which alerted them to a possible drug mule traveling from Brazil.

When the woman landed in Cape Town on Sunday, police and airport security officials identified and searched her.

Cape Town International Airport

During the initial search, officers found cocaine concealed inside a sports bag.

Suspect Had Swallowed Drug Pellets

Hawks spokesperson Siyabulela Vukubi confirmed that after the sports bag discovery, authorities conducted further investigations, leading to a shocking revelation.

It was established that the suspect had also swallowed an unknown number of drug pellets, a common tactic used by drug mules to evade detection.

Suspect Under Medical Supervision

Due to the potential health risks associated with swallowing drug pellets, the woman was immediately taken to a hospital for medical intervention.

Doctors are currently monitoring her condition while attempting to safely remove the ingested drugs.

Authorities have not yet disclosed the exact quantity of drugs found in her possession, but the case is being treated as a major drug trafficking attempt.

Court Appearance Scheduled

Once the suspect is medically stable and formally charged, she will make her first court appearance at the Bellville Magistrates’ Court on 18 March 2025.

She is expected to face serious drug trafficking charges, which could lead to a lengthy prison sentence if convicted.

Cape Town Airport a Hotspot for Drug Smuggling

This arrest highlights the ongoing battle against international drug smuggling in South Africa, with Cape Town International Airport being a known entry point for traffickers.

Law enforcement agencies have ramped up efforts to combat the illegal drug trade, particularly targeting flights from high-risk countries such as Brazil.

Hawks Commend Law Enforcement for the Arrest

The Hawks, South Africa’s elite crime-fighting unit, praised the collaboration between airport security, customs officials, and law enforcement agencies in making this arrest possible.

They have vowed to continue cracking down on international drug syndicates using South Africa as a transit hub.

As investigations continue, authorities are looking into whether the suspect is part of a larger drug smuggling network operating between South America and South Africa.