Three alleged drug traffickers have been arrested in a week at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. In a major breakthrough for South African law enforcement, the three alleged drug traffickers were nabbed in separate incidents within a single week at the airport.
Three Drug Traffickers Arrested in One Week at OR Tambo International Airport
According to SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk, the arrests are the result of ongoing intelligence-driven operations aimed at curbing drug trafficking through one of Africa’s busiest international airports.
Cocaine Smugglers Caught on Arrival
The first arrest occurred on 5 June 2025, when a 42-year-old Nigerian national arrived from São Paulo en route to Nigeria. After being flagged by airport officials, the suspect underwent a medical x-ray which revealed over 70 cocaine-filled pellets ingested internally.
READ MORE: More than 100 “drug bullets” recovered in CT drug mule case
Just five days later, on 10 June 2025, a 30-year-old Brazilian woman was arrested shortly after her flight landed from São Paulo at 06:15. During questioning, she admitted to ingesting over 100 cocaine bullets, which was subsequently confirmed by medical scans.
Third Arrest Nets Over 90kg of Khat
Later that same day, a 57-year-old Ethiopian national was intercepted at the check-in counter before boarding an outbound flight. A search of his luggage led to the discovery of more than 90 kilograms of Khat, a stimulant classified as a controlled substance in South Africa.
Court Appearances and Ongoing Investigations
All three suspects are facing charges of drug trafficking and are expected to appear in the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court. SAPS confirmed that investigations are ongoing and that the suspects may be linked to broader international smuggling networks.
Police intensify crackdown on international drug smuggling syndicates
Over the past six months, SAPS have arrested more than 23 drug mules at OR Tambo International Airport, underscoring the effectiveness of sustained anti-narcotics operations at this critical point of entry.
READ MORE: Three drug traffickers arrested in one week at OR Tambo International Airport
