On Sunday, September 22, 2024, a 30-year-old woman from Namibia was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport in South Africa for smuggling cocaine. This incident highlights the ongoing issue of drug trafficking at one of Africa’s busiest airports, marking her as the tenth drug mule apprehended there in just two months.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) received intelligence about a suspected drug mule arriving from Sao Paulo, Brazil. Officers were prepared when the flight landed at around 7 a.m. Upon her arrival, the woman was met by a coordinated team of police, customs, and immigration officials who had been monitoring the situation closely.
“The team immediately intercepted the drug mule as she was making her way through immigration. She was immediately arrested, and taken to a local hospital where a medical X-ray confirmed and detected foreign objects in her stomach,” said Mathe.
Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, a spokesperson for SAPS, reported that authorities acted swiftly based on the information they had received. The woman was taken into custody, and a procedure to retrieve the suspected drugs from her body began later that evening.
“She has already released more than 60 bullets of suspected cocaine thus far. She is currently under police guard and custody,” said Mathe.
“The value of the drugs cannot be determined at this stage as the process to release all suspected drugs from the suspect’s body may take some time,” she said.
South Africa has seen a rise in drug-related crimes, particularly at its major airports. Drug mules often use various methods to conceal illegal substances, sometimes even ingesting them, which poses significant health risks. The recent string of arrests indicates a worrying trend of increased drug trafficking attempts, raising concerns about safety and the effectiveness of border controls.
General Fannie Masemola, the National Commissioner of SAPS, commended the multi-disciplinary team for their dedication in tackling this pressing issue. The collaborative efforts between different law enforcement agencies reflect a broader strategy to curb drug smuggling and enhance airport security. The police have vowed to remain vigilant, emphasizing that stopping such activities is a top priority.
The arrest of the Namibian woman serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle against drug trafficking in South Africa. Law enforcement agencies are working tirelessly to combat this issue, and the recent arrests signal their commitment to keeping the country safe. As authorities continue to strengthen their operations at airports, they aim to deter drug smugglers and protect the public from the dangers of illegal drugs.
“Our men and women in blue are hard at work intercepting hardened criminals. South Africa is not a playground for criminals and transnational organised crime. We are squeezing the space for criminals and leaving nothing to chance,” said Masemola.
