Cocaine and Heroin worth over R1.2 million seized at OR Tambo

21 March 2025 | SANews

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has arrested two suspected drug mules at OR Tambo International Airport, marking the fifth such arrest at the airport since the beginning of the year.

The suspects, a 24-year-old Brazilian man and a 51-year-old South African woman, were taken into custody on Thursday, 20 March 2025, after arriving on a flight from São Paulo, Brazil. Authorities seized cocaine with an estimated street value of over R1 million during the operation.

Medical examinations confirmed that both individuals had ingested drug-filled capsules, commonly referred to as “bullets,” suspected to contain cocaine. The process of expelling these substances is ongoing, and the final quantity and value of the narcotics will be determined once it is complete.

Additionally, law enforcement officials discovered more cocaine concealed within the suspects’ luggage. Investigators are now working to establish any potential connections between the two individuals.

In a separate incident earlier, SAPS intercepted a shipment of white powder, believed to be heroin, valued at more than R200,000. Preliminary investigations indicate that the illicit cargo was bound for London, United Kingdom.

Authorities have reiterated their commitment to tightening security at OR Tambo International Airport as part of ongoing efforts to combat international drug trafficking.