Key Points:
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Brazilian national arrested with R1.4 million cocaine at OR Tambo International Airport.
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Over 23,000 drug-related arrests recorded in South Africa from January to March 2025.
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Police continue to dismantle drug labs and intercept traffickers at key entry points.
JOHANNESBURG — Police arrested a 39-year-old Brazilian national Friday at OR Tambo International Airport after they found cocaine worth R1.4 million wrapped around his thighs. This Brazilian cocaine arrest OR Tambo highlights ongoing drug trafficking challenges in South Africa.
Arrest Details and Court Appearance
The man arrived on a flight from São Paulo and was in transit to Benin, West Africa. Security officials stopped and searched him during routine checks.
Brig. Athlenda Mathe, spokesperson for the South African Police Service, said, “They pulled him aside, and during a body search, officers found cocaine wrapped around his legs. Police arrested him, and he is expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court on drug trafficking charges.”
Ongoing Crackdown on Drug Trafficking at OR Tambo
From January to March 2025, South African police arrested more than 23,000 suspects in drug-related cases. Many of these arrests took place at OR Tambo International Airport.
Mathe explained, “Most traffickers come from Brazil and often swallow drugs to smuggle them. Through targeted intelligence operations, police have intercepted over 20 drug traffickers at this airport in the last six months.”
Domestic Drug Lab Raids and Seizures
Police also arrested 3,471 suspects for drug dealing during the same period. Among them, officers apprehended six Mozambicans and three South Africans in Standerton, Mpumalanga, after dismantling a clandestine drug lab.
Authorities seized vehicles, machinery, and drugs valued at around R27 million. They also recovered R3 million in cash hidden in a Mercedes-Benz’s trunk. Additionally, police shut down another drug lab in Westonaria, Gauteng, where they arrested two suspects.
Authorities Continue Enforcement Efforts
Officials say they will continue to target drug trafficking at entry points and within the country. These ongoing operations aim to aggressively curb illegal activities.
