The South African Police Service (SAPS), with the support of the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), has arrested two more drug mules at OR Tambo International Airport.
This brings the total number of drug traffickers arrested at this international gateway to four over the past three days.
On the evening of 27 April, SAPS members deployed at the airport acted on information regarding suspected drug traffickers allegedly planning to travel to Frankfurt and London via Doha.
The members successfully intercepted a 66-year-old Somali national, who was reportedly in possession of a Netherlands 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.
On the same day, police discovered abandoned luggage at the airport containing approximately 45 kilograms of khat, valued at more than R90 000.
In a separate incident on 25 April 2026, a multidisciplinary team operationalised intelligence, resulted in the arrest of a 33-year-old South African female suspect, who was reportedly en route to Hong Kong.
Further investigation led to the discovery of drugs worth more than R500 000, suspected to be cocaine and crystal methamphetamine, concealed inside her luggage.
All the suspects are expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court this week on charges related to drug trafficking. Investigations are ongoing. – SAnews.gov.za
