By Everson Luhanga
A suspected drug smuggler was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport on Tuesday, 30 July, with R1-million worth of drugs.
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said police acted on intelligence that a man on a flight from São Paulo in Brazil was carrying drugs.
As soon as the plane landed just before 7am, police found the man and took him in for questioning while a team searched the aircraft, finding a parcel of cocaine.
“The cocaine was wrapped in plastic, leading police to believe it was strapped to his body. The Brazilian man has been detained and charged with drug trafficking,” said Brigadier Mathe.
National Commissioner of SAPS, General Fannie Masemola, welcomed the arrest and warned that South Africa is not a playground for drug cartels.
“Our members are vigilant and ready to intercept drug traffickers. It’s been a progressive two weeks for SAPS in intercepting large quantities of drugs,” said General Masemola.
He said that R252-million worth of cocaine was seized in the Western Cape, and a Russian national was among those arrested.
A drug lab worth R2-million was shut down in Limpopo, and two Mexican nationals were arrested.
“We are hard at work and leaving nothing to chance. We are working closely with international authorities and will continue to intensify our efforts in intercepting criminals and illicit substances,” said General Masemola.
Brigadier Mathe said the suspected drug mule is expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court this week on a charge of drug trafficking.
Pictured above: Cocaine wrapped in plastics
Source: SAPS
