The latest arrest of a suspected drug mule, 52, following the seizure of heroin worth more than R2m, comes amid a series of similar arrests at the airport in recent weeks, with police and the Border Management Authority continuing intelligence-led efforts to intercept suspected traffickers. The arrest was made on Sunday (20/9) after the suspect arrived on a flight from Accra, Ghana.

“Police searched the suspect’s luggage and allegedly discovered bullet-like objects and blocks containing substances suspected to be heroin,” said police spokesperson Lt. Col. Amanda van Wyk. “The suspect is expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court later this week on drug trafficking-related charges.

“Investigations into the matter are continuing as authorities work to establish the wider network allegedly linked to the suspected drug trafficking operation. Police will continue intensifying intelligence-led and targeted operations aimed at dismantling drug trafficking syndicates.”

The latest arrest brings the total number of suspected drug mules arrested at the airport to three over the past three weeks. Police said the arrests form part of ongoing efforts to disrupt drug trafficking syndicates through intelligence-led and targeted operations at the country's ports of entry.

Two weeks ago, police also arrested an alleged drug trafficker, 45, at the airport and seized approximately 2kg of cocaine. The cocaine was estimated to have a street value of more than R800,000.

The man was arrested on Monday, 8 September, after police received intelligence about suspected drug trafficking activity. Van Wyk said the suspect was allegedly travelling to Hong Kong when he was intercepted at the airport. A search of his luggage allegedly resulted in the discovery of drugs suspected to be cocaine.

The first suspected drug mule, 54, was arrested on Thursday, 3 September, and he was also en route to Hong Kong, where he was arrested for cocaine found concealed inside his luggage.

“These successes at South Africa’s busiest airport demonstrate the police’s continued efforts to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking networks through intelligence-driven operations at the country’s ports of entry.” 

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