A Dutchman was arrested with 60 kg of Khat at the OR Tambo airport on Sunday. (Photo: X)
Three suspected drug mules were arrested at the OR Tambo International Airport over the long weekend, after they were each stopped separately with millions of rand worth of drugs in their possession including cocaine, methamphetamine, also known as tik, and Khat.
Brig. Athlenda Mathe, spokesperson for the police, says the police stopped a Dutchman with 60 kg of Khat hidden in his luggage on Sunday morning, before he could catch a flight to London.
By Sunday afternoon, another arrest was made.
A Brazilian suspect (26) in possession of cocaine with a street value of approximately R8.7 million was arrested this time. This suspect was arrested upon arrival from Brazil in South Africa, after the authorities received information in advance and then searched this suspect’s luggage.
Several blocks of cocaine were found wrapped and hidden in the luggage.
However, it is not only foreigners who were caught in possession of drugs at OR Tambo over the weekend.
Blocks of cocaine worth approximately R8.7 million were found wrapped and hidden in luggage. (Photo: SAPS/ X)
A 33-year-old local woman from Kempton Park was arrested on Saturday, after she was in possession of 1.5 kg of cocaine and Tik, with an estimated street value of R1.5 million.
Mathe points out that the police at OR Tambo have had several successes over the past few months in intercepting drug smugglers trying to smuggle drugs into the country.
“The interception of drug smugglers made a major contribution to disrupting the supply of illegal drugs and strengthening the fight against organized crime.”