The South African Police Service (SAPS) has arrested a 25-year-old Brazilian national at OR Tambo International Airport in Ekurhuleni for drug trafficking.
The suspect was found in possession of over three kilograms of drugs wrapped around his body, which was later confirmed to be cocaine with an estimated value of R1.8 million.
“The suspect had just landed from São Paulo, Brazil, when he was arrested,” said SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk. He will appear in court soon.
In October, police revealed that 14 drug mules were arrested at OR Tambo International Airport, with most of the perpetrators being men.
On October 6, police arrested three drug mules, including two Dutch traffickers who were found with 80kg of Khat.
The SAPS, in collaboration with officials from the South African Revenue Service (SARS), arrested a 43-year-old drug mule from Paraguay who had also landed from São Paulo.
On September 29, a 21-year-old South African female was arrested after landing from São Paulo. An X-ray examination confirmed that she had swallowed over 100 bullets containing drugs.
On September 22, police arrested a Namibian drug mule at the airport who had swallowed more than 60 bullets of suspected cocaine. On September 14, a Nigerian drug mule was arrested at the airport, with police seizing drugs worth more than R13 million.
On Monday, while releasing crime statistics for the period between April and June this year, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu stated that drugs valued at R77.7 million were seized. Additionally, five suspects were arrested for manufacturing drugs worth an estimated R2 billion on a farm near Groblersdal, Limpopo.
“Our goal is clear: to reduce crime and build safer communities for all. As the Ministry, we have confidence in the SAPS, under the leadership of National Commissioner General Masemola,” said Mchunu. “To every South African who continues to believe in a better future, know this: we are committed to the cause of a safer South Africa, and we will not rest until we achieve the peace and security that every citizen deserves.”
The Star
ntombi.nkosi@inl.co.za
WhatsApp your views on this story at 071 485 7995.