Cape Town – Police have arrested two suspected drug mules at OR Tambo International Airport, marking the fifth such arrest since January 2025, according to South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk.
The suspects, a 24-year-old Brazilian man and a 51-year-old South African woman, arrived on the same flight from São Paulo, Brazil, and were intercepted by police upon landing on Thursday, 20 March 2025.
Authorities seized cocaine valued at over R1 million following their arrest.
“A medical examination confirmed that both suspects had ingested ‘bullets’ suspected to contain cocaine. The process of releasing these substances is ongoing, and the final quantity and value of the seized drugs will be determined upon completion,” said Van Wyk.
#sapsHQ Two suspected drug mules arrested at OR Tambo International Airport. A Brazilian man (24) and a South African woman (51), who had travelled on the same flight from São Paulo, Brazil, were intercepted upon their arrival on Thursday, 20/03. Their arrest led to the seizure… pic.twitter.com/ARhvdkRv0Y
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) March 21, 2025
In addition to the ingested substances, police discovered and confiscated more cocaine hidden inside the suspects’ luggage.
Investigations are underway to determine if the two individuals are linked to a larger drug trafficking network.
In a separate incident on Friday, 21 March 2025, police intercepted a shipment of white powder, suspected to be heroin, valued at over R200,000.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the package was destined for London, United Kingdom, Van Wyk said.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Picture: X/@SAPoliceService
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
