A suspected drug mule was apprehended by authorities at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport after arriving on a flight from Sao Paulo, Brazil. Upon landing, the police swiftly identified the individual and initiated further investigation. A search of the aircraft led to the discovery of a parcel containing cocaine valued at R1 million, wrapped in plastic and suspected to have been hidden on the suspect’s person.
The Brazilian national has been arrested and is facing charges of drug trafficking. National police commissioner Gen Fannie Masemola emphasized the commitment to combat transnational organized crime, noting recent successful operations in Western Cape and Limpopo. In the Western Cape, R252 million worth of cocaine was seized, resulting in the arrest of a Russian national. In Limpopo, a drug lab worth R2 billion was dismantled, with two Mexican nationals among those apprehended.
Masemola affirmed that South Africa is not a safe haven for criminal syndicates and highlighted the collaboration with international authorities to combat drug trafficking. Vigilance remains high among law enforcement officers nationwide as efforts are intensified to intercept and deter criminal activities.
TimesLIVE