Five female alleged drug mules have been detained in South Africa. In a major development in the fight against drugs, police arrested five South African female drug mules on Saturday, 28 March 2026. The arrests were carried out at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. The drugs they had in their possession have a street value of over R5-million.

“A preliminary report suggests that the suspects were en route to China via Dubai.”

Five female alleged drug mules detained in South Africa

A national police spokesperson, Lt Col Amanda van Wyk, says officers were working closely with officials from the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) when the narcotics were discovered over the weekend. Van Wyk says police members searched the five women and discovered the drugs concealed inside their sneakers, underwear, and private parts. She says it’s believed that the suspects were en route to China via Dubai.

They face charges related to drug trafficking

The drugs were confiscated by the authorities and the suspects were taken into custody. Van Wyk says the five women are expected to appear in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 31 March 2026. They face charges related to drug trafficking. She says the investigation is continuing.

“A search led to the discovery of drugs concealed inside their sneakers, underwear, and private parts.”