The 36-year-old was seized after suspect material was detected by a scanner. The incident happened on Saturday (22/8) at about 11:26. 

Free State police spokesperson Lt. Col. Thabo Covane said police officers responsible for crime prevention at the airport were alerted by an Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) supervisor after the material was detected.

“Police officers who responded to the call were pointed to a hairdresser’s doll head belonging to the woman who was about to depart on a flight to Johannesburg.” Criminal Records Centre experts were also summoned to process the scene.

The doll head was opened, and the material stuffed inside the doll was removed. Photo supplied

The doll head was opened, and the material stuffed inside the doll with foam was removed. “A total of 232 stones suspected to be rock drug or crack cocaine with an estimated street value of R300,000 were counted in the presence of the suspect.”

Covane said a further body search allegedly resulted in the recovery of R93,220 in cash. “The suspect was immediately placed under arrest, a case docket of possession of drugs with additional charge of money laundering was opened at Navalsig police station.”

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation will investigate the case, and the suspect is expected to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s court soon.

The latest seizure comes amid ongoing police operations targeting drug-related offences in Bloemfontein. In July, two suspects aged 26 and 27 were arrested in Willows during Operation Shanela II after police seized cannabis and cannabis-related products worth an estimated R77,400. Police also recovered cash believed to be proceeds from drug sales.

Early in the year in February, the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit arrested four suspects during a series of operations in Heidedal, with drugs worth more than R715,000 allegedly recovered. Among the drugs seized was “rock”, suspected to be cocaine, with an estimated street value of R75,000.

Recent seizures, including the latest suspected cocaine discovery at Bram Fischer International Airport and previous drug busts in Heidedal and Willows, highlight ongoing efforts to disrupt the possession and distribution of illegal drugs in the city.

OFM News/Siyakholwa Mbatyazwa sm

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