Johannesburg – The South African Police Service (SAPS), with the support of Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), have arrested two suspected drug mules at OR Tambo International Airport.
The arrests on Freedom Day, Monday 27 April 2026, bring the number of suspected drug traffickers arrested at this international gateway to four over the past three days.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk said on Monday evening that members deployed at the airport acted on information regarding suspected drug traffickers allegedly planning to travel to Frankfurt and London via Doha.
“The members successfully intercepted a 66-year-old Somali national who was reportedly in possession of a Netherlands passport,” said Lieutenant Colonel Van Wyk
“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.
“On the same day, police discovered abandoned luggage at the airport containing approximately 45 kilograms of khat, valued at more than R90 000.”
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Lieutenant Colonel Van Wyk also revealed that in a separate incident on Saturday, 25 April 2026, a multidisciplinary team operationalised intelligence, resulting in the arrest of a 33-year-old South African female suspect 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,” the spokesperson said.
All suspects are expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court this week on charges related to drug trafficking.
Investigations are ongoing.
