Two drug mules arrested at OR Tambo International Airport with Cocaine and heroin worth over R1.2 million seized
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has arrested two individuals at OR Tambo International Airport in connection with a significant drug bust, marking the fifth such arrest at the airport since January 2025.
A 24-year-old Brazilian man and a 51-year-old South African woman were apprehended on Thursday, 20 March 2025, after arriving on the same flight from São Paulo, Brazil. Police intercepted the pair upon their arrival, leading to the discovery of over R1 million worth of cocaine.
A subsequent medical examination revealed that both suspects had swallowed capsules, known as “bullets,” suspected of containing cocaine.
The process of extracting these substances is ongoing, and the final amount and value of the drugs will be determined once the procedure is complete.
In addition to the drugs ingested by the suspects, police found more cocaine hidden in their luggage. Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine any possible connection between the two individuals.
In a separate incident on 21 March 2025, SAPS officers intercepted a shipment of white powder suspected to be heroin, valued at over R200,000.
Initial investigations suggest the shipment was intended for London, United Kingdom. Further inquiries are underway to unravel the full extent of the operation.