KEY POINTS
- Two South Africans were arrested at OR Tambo for smuggling R7.5 million ($408,113) worth of cocaine.
- OR Tambo remains a hotspot for drug trafficking, with multiple arrests in recent months.
- Police are working to track drug origins and dismantle smuggling networks.
Two South African nationals were arrested at OR Tambo International Airport after arriving from São Paulo, Brazil, with cocaine worth an estimated R7.5 million ($408,113).
The police arrested both suspects, a man and a woman, on Friday after being intercepted separately upon arrival.
According to police spokesperson Lt. Col. Amanda Van Wyk, the woman was found carrying R2.5 million ($136,037) worth of cocaine, while the man had R5 million ($272,075) worth of the illegal substance hidden in his luggage.
The authorities consider these arrests to be a section of a broader drug trafficking network. “We remain vigilant in tracking and intercepting illegal substances entering the country,” Van Wyk stated.
“These arrests are a direct result of intelligence-led operations at our busiest port of entry.”
Ongoing drug trafficking crackdown at OR Tambo
OR Tambo International Airport has become a hotspot for drug smuggling, with law enforcement officials regularly intercepting traffickers attempting to move illegal substances through the airport.
Just last December, police arrested two Brazilian nationals who had arrived from São Paulo.
One of the suspects was carrying cocaine amounts exceeding four kilograms in his luggage, with X-ray examinations confirming the second suspect had swallowed drug pellets.
Law enforcement investigators retrieved at least fifteen cocaine-filled “bullets” from this person after examination.
In a separate incident that same week, officers uncovered R6 million ($326,490) worth of crystal meth hidden inside a pool table at a warehouse within the airport premises.
These frequent drug busts show that traffickers constantly attempt to outmaneuver law enforcement. However, the police force demonstrates ongoing determination to suppress the illegal drug business.
Authorities committed to dismantling drug networks
National police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe stated that current investigations maintain their principal objective. The investigation team works to determine both smuggling points and the individuals responsible for their distribution.
“We are following all leads to determine both the origin of these drugs and the network responsible for their transportation into South Africa,” Mathe stated.
According to IOL, she also praised the vigilance of airport law enforcement officers, crediting their dedication for the consistent disruption of drug smuggling activities.
“Police at OR Tambo International Airport continue to intercept traffickers and seize large drug consignments almost every week,” she said.
“Their efforts send a clear message to drug traffickers and criminal syndicates that we are watching and ready to act.”
Moreover, authorities show continual dedication to disbanding international drug networks. They work closely with global law enforcement agencies to combat drug smuggling and related crimes.
The two arrested suspects will soon appear in court to face drug trafficking charges.
