In a series of successful operations, members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) arrested three suspects for drug trafficking at OR Tambo International Airport within a single week.
The first arrest occurred on 05 June 2025, when a 42-year-old Nigerian national was intercepted upon arrival from São Paulo, en route to Nigeria. The suspect landed at 07:00 and was stopped by police officers. A medical x-ray revealed he had ingested more than 70 drug “bullets” suspected to contain cocaine.
Five days later, on 10 June 2025, authorities apprehended a second suspect, a 30-year-old Brazilian national, shortly after her flight from São Paulo landed at 06:15. During a luggage inspection, she admitted to ingesting over 100 cocaine-filled “bullets,” which was later confirmed by an x-ray.
Later that same day, police intercepted a 57-year-old Ethiopian national at the airport’s check-in counter as he attempted to board an outbound flight. A search of his luggage uncovered over 90 kilograms of Khat, a banned stimulant.
All three suspects were arrested and are expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court on drug trafficking charges.
This crackdown is part of SAPS’s ongoing intelligence-driven operations, which have led to the interception of more than 23 drug traffickers at OR Tambo International Airport in the past six months.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to combating drug smuggling and maintaining strict surveillance at key ports of entry.
