Johannesburg, South Africa – A 30-year-old Namibian woman has been arrested at OR Tambo International Airport on suspicion of smuggling drugs, marking the tenth drug mule apprehended at the airport in the past two months.

The arrest followed a tip-off received by the South African Police Service (SAPS). Acting on intelligence, a joint team of SAPS officers, SARS customs officials, and immigration authorities intercepted the suspect upon her arrival from São Paulo at approximately 07:25. The team apprehended the woman as she made her way through immigration.

The suspect was taken to a local hospital, where an x-ray confirmed the presence of foreign objects in her stomach. So far, she has expelled over 60 capsules believed to contain cocaine, though the full quantity of drugs has yet to be released from her system. The exact value of the drugs is still being determined, as the process of retrieving all the substances may take some time.

General Fannie Masemola, the National Commissioner of SAPS, commended the vigilance and dedication of the multidisciplinary team working to combat crime at OR Tambo International Airport.

“Our men and women in blue are working hard to intercept hardened criminals. South Africa is not a playground for criminals and transnational organized crime. We are squeezing the space for criminals and leaving nothing to chance,” said General Masemola.

The suspect remains under police guard as investigations continue.

[SAPS Media Statement, 2024/09/22]