By Inside Metro Reporter
Police have arrested two more suspected drug mules at OR Tambo International Airport, bringing the total number of traffickers intercepted at the airport to four in the past three days.
On Tuesday night, officers acting on intelligence stopped a 66-year‑old Somali national travelling on a Dutch passport. A search of his luggage uncovered 55 kilograms of khat, with an estimated street value of more than R100,000.
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“SAPS members deployed at the airport acted on information regarding suspected drug traffickers allegedly planning to travel to Frankfurt and London via Doha,” said police spokesperson Colonel Amanda van Wyk.
“The members successfully intercepted a 66-year-old Somali national who was reportedly in possession of a [Dutch] passport. A search of the suspect’s luggage led to the discovery of 55 kilograms of khat, with an estimated street value of more than R100 000,”
In a related discovery, authorities found abandoned luggage containing an additional 45 kilograms of khat, valued at over R90,000. Investigations are underway to trace the individual linked to the unclaimed consignment.
Police then intercepted a 33‑year‑old South African woman en route to Hong Kong.
Her luggage was found to contain drugs suspected to be cocaine and crystal methamphetamine, with an estimated value exceeding R500,000.
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In a separate incident, police also arrested a 26‑year‑old Brazilian national after intercepting cocaine worth an estimated R8.7 million on Sunday afternoon.
The person was apprehended upon arrival from Brazil when officers, acting on intelligence, searched their luggage and discovered multiple blocks of cocaine concealed inside.
All suspects are expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court this week on charges related to drug trafficking.
The South African Police Service (SAPS), working in collaboration with Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), border management authorities, and customs officials, said the back‑to‑back arrests show intensified intelligence‑driven operations aimed at dismantling transnational drug networks and safeguarding South Africa’s borders.
