Police at OR Tambo International Airport have arrested a Brazilian drug trafficking suspect after intercepting cocaine valued at an estimated R8.7-million.
“The 26-year-old transgender suspect was apprehended upon arrival on Sunday afternoon from Brazil after police, acting on intelligence, conducted a search of the suspect’s luggage,” according to Athlenda Mathe, the spokesperson for police.
During the search, Mathe said, the police uncovered drugs hidden inside the traveller’s belongings.
“Members discovered multiple blocks of cocaine wrapped and concealed inside the suspect’s luggage,” Mathe said.
Intelligence-driven operations
The arrest is part of broader efforts to combat international drug smuggling.
“This arrest forms part of ongoing intelligence-driven operations targeting transnational drug trafficking networks operating through South Africa’s largest port of entry,” Mathe stated.
Police have recently intensified operations at the airport, yielding multiple successes.
“Police at OR Tambo International Airport have recently recorded several successes in intercepting drug traffickers attempting to smuggle narcotics into the country,” she added.
Authorities say these interventions are making an impact.
“The interception of drug traffickers has gone a long way in disrupting the supply of illicit drugs and strengthening the fight against organised crime.”
The suspect is expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday on charges of drug trafficking.
Five South Africans nabbed at airport
Last month, five South African women were arrested at OR Tambo International Airport after authorities uncovered drugs valued at more than R5-million concealed on their bodies.
The arrests were carried out during a joint operation between the South African Police Service and Airports Company South Africa.
According to police, the suspects were preparing to board a flight to China via Dubai at the time of their apprehension.
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- A 26-year-old Brazilian transgender suspect was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport with cocaine worth approximately R8.7 million concealed in their luggage.
- The arrest resulted from intelligence-driven operations targeting international drug trafficking networks at South Africa’s largest port of entry.
- Police intensified efforts at OR Tambo recently, leading to multiple successful drug interceptions and disrupting organized crime activities.
- The suspect is set to appear in Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court facing drug trafficking charges.
- Last month, five South African women were also arrested at the airport for carrying drugs valued over R5 million, highlighting ongoing coordinated law enforcement efforts.
