Johannesburg – A drug mule from Brazil has been arrested at OR Tambo International Airport after authorities found cocaine worth more than a million rand hidden under his pants.
The 39-year-old Brazilian man was arrested when he arrived from São Paulo on Friday, (23 May 2025).
“The Brazilian landed at 09:00 from São Paulo and was in transit to Benin when he was intercepted by police officers at the Airport,” said police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe.
“He was pulled aside and during a body search, cocaine was found wrapped around his legs.”
The arrested Brazilian was expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on a charge of drug trafficking.
The cocaine found on the trafficker was estimated to be worth R1.4 million.
Brigadier Mathe warned that the South African Police Service (SAPS) was intensifying efforts to clamp down on the illicit trade of drugs.
She said between January and March this year, 23 306 suspects – including traffickers arriving on flights at OR Tambo airport – were arrested for drug-related crimes.
Brigadier Mathe said most of the arrested drug traffickers were coming into South Africa on flights from Brazil.
Smuggling methods include swallowing pellets containing drugs and concealing the contraband under clothing, sometimes using tape to wrap it around parts of the body.
“Through targeted intelligence operations, we have been able to intercept more than 20 drug traffickers in the last six months at this port of entry,” said Brigadier Mathe, in apparent reference to OR Tambo airport.
She said 3 471 suspects have been arrested for dealing in drugs.
Meanwhile, the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), which runs OR Tambo International Airport, commended the police for their ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking at South Africa’s ports of entry.
“Airports Company South Africa is proud to work alongside SAPS and other law enforcement agencies to maintain the integrity and safety of our airports,” said ACSA Group Executive for Corporate Services, Laurene Less.
“The work done by our partners at O.R. Tambo International Airport continues to demonstrate our collective commitment to disrupting organised crime and securing our borders.”
Commenting on the arrest of the 39-year-old Brazilian court with cocaine hidden under his pants, ACSA said this successful interception was part of a broader SAPS-led crackdown on drug-related crimes at key entry points into the country.
ACSA reiterated its zero-tolerance approach to any form of criminal activity at its airports and continues to support intelligence-driven security operations.
