A South African man has been arrested at OR Tambo International Airport after authorities allegedly discovered suspected heroin worth more than R2 million in his luggage.
The 52-year-old was intercepted on Sunday, September 20, shortly after arriving in South Africa on a flight from Accra, Ghana.
His arrest followed an intelligence-led operation involving the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Border Management Authority (BMA), according to the police in a post on Facebook.
During a search of his luggage, officers allegedly found several bullet-shaped objects and blocks containing substances suspected to be heroin.
The suspected drugs are believed to have a street value exceeding R2 million.
SAPS said the latest arrest forms part of a growing number of drug-related interceptions at OR Tambo International Airport, with three suspected drug mules arrested at the facility over the past three weeks.
The arrests come as South African authorities step up efforts to identify and disrupt networks involved in the movement of illegal drugs through the country’s major entry points.
The latest suspect is expected to be brought before the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court later this week. He is expected to face charges linked to drug trafficking.
Investigators are now working to establish where the suspected drugs originated from and whether the man was acting alone or as part of a larger trafficking network.
SAPS said it will continue to conduct intelligence-led and targeted operations as part of efforts to disrupt drug trafficking syndicates operating in the country.
