By: Natasha Archary

A suspected drug mule was arrested on Tuesday, 30 July at the OR Tambo International Airport by members of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
The man was aboard an aircraft from Sao Paulo, Brazil and police identified the suspect from intelligence received which confirmed he was carrying drugs.
As soon as the identified aircraft landed at OR Tambo Intl. Airport, police identified the suspected drug mule and took him for questioning while a team searched the aircraft and found a parcel of cocaine worth R1 million.
The cocaine was discovered, wrapped in plastic which led police to believe that the consignment was strapped to his body.
The man who is a Brazilian national has been detained and charged with drug trafficking.
The National Commissioner of SAPS, General Fannie Masemola has welcomed the arrest and warned those involved in transnational organised crime that South Africa is not a playground for these syndicates who are involved in the trafficking of drugs.
“Our members throughout the country remain vigilant and ready to intercept these drug traffickers. It’s been a progressive two weeks for SAPS in so far as intercepting large quantities of drugs.
R252 million worth of cocaine was seized in Western Cape, a Russian national was among those arrested. A drug lab worth R2 billion was shutdown in Limpopo and two Mexican nationals were arrested in that case.
We are hard at work and we are leaving nothing to chance. SA is not a playground for these syndicates. We are working closely with international authorities in sharing information. We will continue to intensify our efforts in intercepting criminals and illicit substances including illegal firearms.”
The drug mule is expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court this week on a charge of drug trafficking.
A suspected drug mule has been arrested by SAPS at OR TAMBO Airport. The man was on board a flight that had just landed from Brazil. Police found the drugs wrapped in plastic to a piece of clothing suggesting that the drugs were strapped onto his body. Drugs found in aircraft pic.twitter.com/HnZxchTnFy
— Athlenda Mathe (@AthlendaM) July 30, 2024
Also read: Thabo Bester launches legal challenge against inhumane detention conditions



