30-Year-Old Namibian Woman Arrested at OR Tambo for Smuggling Drugs from Brazil
By Nkosana Khumalo
A 30-year-old Namibian woman has been arrested at OR Tambo International Airport after being caught smuggling drugs from São Paulo, Brazil. The arrest, which took place on the morning of 22 September 2024, marks the tenth drug mule apprehended at the airport in the past two months, underscoring the increasing efforts of South African authorities to clamp down on drug smuggling syndicates using the country as a transit point for international drug trafficking.
Coordinated Efforts Lead to Arrest
According to SAPS National spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, the arrest was a result of a coordinated operation between the South African Police Service (SAPS), SARS customs, and immigration officials. Acting on intelligence gathered by SAPS, the team had been monitoring the woman’s flight from São Paulo, which was scheduled to land at OR Tambo International Airport at 07:25.
Upon the plane’s arrival, the multidisciplinary team wasted no time in intercepting the suspect as she attempted to make her way through immigration. Brigadier Mathe confirmed that the team acted swiftly to apprehend the woman after identifying her as a high-priority target linked to a transnational drug trafficking ring.
“She was immediately arrested and taken to a local hospital where a medical x-ray confirmed the presence of foreign objects in her stomach,” said Mathe. “The process of releasing the suspected drugs from her body is currently underway, and as of now, more than 60 bullets of suspected cocaine have been recovered.”
Smuggling Method and Investigation
The method used by the suspect is typical of drug mules, who ingest drug-filled capsules, known as “bullets,” in an attempt to smuggle them across international borders. This dangerous method has been widely adopted by international drug syndicates, but the risk to the mule’s health is significant, as a rupture of one of these packets inside the body could be fatal.
In this case, the suspect has been placed under strict medical supervision while authorities oversee the process of recovering the remaining drug-filled capsules from her body. Although the exact quantity and value of the cocaine have yet to be determined, the incident further highlights the risks that mules take on behalf of criminal organisations.
OR Tambo: A Hub for Drug Smuggling
OR Tambo International Airport, Africa’s busiest airport, has become a frequent target for international drug syndicates due to its strategic location and high volume of international traffic. However, law enforcement agencies have made significant strides in intercepting drug mules and dismantling trafficking operations.
The National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola, praised the teamwork and vigilance of the authorities involved in the arrest.
“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 General Masemola in a statement.
This latest arrest is part of a broader crackdown on drug trafficking at OR Tambo International Airport, where authorities have made several high-profile arrests in recent months.
Notable Drug Arrests at OR Tambo
The arrest of the 30-year-old Namibian woman follows a series of successful operations at OR Tambo International Airport. In July 2024, a Nigerian national was arrested after attempting to smuggle over R5 million worth of heroin into South Africa. Just a few weeks prior, a Brazilian national was apprehended with nearly 10 kilograms of cocaine concealed in his luggage.
In another recent case, in August 2024, a South African man returning from Dubai was caught attempting to smuggle methamphetamine valued at R7 million through the airport. These arrests reflect the concerted efforts of SAPS, SARS customs, and airport security teams in addressing the growing drug trafficking problem at the airport.
Brigadier Mathe noted that collaboration between law enforcement agencies has been key to these successes. “By sharing intelligence and working together, we have been able to stop multiple attempts to smuggle drugs into South Africa and protect our communities from the dangers associated with narcotics.”
The Growing Problem of Drug Trafficking in South Africa
South Africa has long been a transit point for international drug trafficking syndicates due to its location and advanced infrastructure. Drugs such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and marijuana are smuggled into the country from regions like South America, Southeast Asia, and West Africa, and then distributed within South Africa or transported to other global markets.
The government has ramped up efforts to combat drug trafficking, but the scale of the problem remains significant. In recent years, South Africa has seen an increase in the number of drug-related arrests, particularly at major entry points like OR Tambo International Airport, Durban Harbour, and Cape Town International Airport.
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