Johannesburg – The South African Police Service (SAPS), working with Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), has arrested four suspected drug traffickers at OR Tambo International Airport over the past three days.
Police confirmed that two additional suspects were arrested on 27 April, bringing the total number of arrests at the airport to four in recent days as part of intensified anti-drug trafficking operations.
According to SAPS, officers acted on intelligence about individuals allegedly planning to travel to Frankfurt and London via Doha. A 66-year-old Somali national, reportedly carrying a Netherlands passport, was intercepted.
“A search of the suspect’s luggage led to the discovery of 55 kilograms of khat, with an estimated street value of more than R100 000,” police said.
Authorities also recovered abandoned luggage at the airport on the same day, containing about 45 kilograms of khat valued at over R90 000.
In a separate operation on 25 April, a multidisciplinary team arrested a 33-year-old South African woman who was reportedly en route to Hong Kong.
“Further investigation led to the discovery of drugs worth more than R500 000, suspected to be cocaine and crystal methamphetamine, concealed inside her luggage,” SAPS said.
All suspects are expected to appear in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court this week on charges related to drug trafficking.
Police said investigations are ongoing.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
