Police have arrested two suspected drug mules at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.
A 24-year-old Brazilian man and a 51-year-old South African woman were intercepted on Thursday after arriving from São Paulo, Brazil. Authorities say both suspects had ingested “bullets” suspected to contain cocaine, which was confirmed through medical examination.
Police spokesperson Colonel Amanda van Wyk said this is the fifth such arrest at the airport since January 2025.
“The process of releasing these substances is ongoing, and the final quantity and value of the seized drugs will be determined upon completion. In addition, police discovered and confiscated more cocaine concealed inside the suspects’ luggage,” says Van Wyk.
She added that authorities also intercepted a shipment of white powder suspected to be heroin, worth over R200,000.
“Preliminary investigations suggest that the shipment was destined for London, United Kingdom,” she says.
#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
