23-year-old South African woman arrested at OR Tambo Airport for alleged drug trafficking

A 23-year-old South African woman has been arrested at OR Tambo International Airport on charges of dealing in drugs after police allegedly found suspected drug-filled capsules concealed inside her body.

In a statement on Sunday, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said that the suspect was arrested on Friday, 26 June 2026, following an intelligence-led operation by Border Police.

Police said the woman was identified after receiving operational information and was taken for a medical examination, where X-rays allegedly confirmed the presence of multiple suspected drug-filled capsules inside her body.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect had travelled on a domestic route before attempting to continue her journey on an international flight. She was intercepted upon her return to OR Tambo International Airport before boarding a direct flight to Tokyo.

At the time of her arrest, the suspect had released 28 suspected drug-filled capsules while under medical supervision. SAPS said the recovery process is ongoing, with all exhibits secured for forensic analysis.

The exact type of narcotics and their estimated street value will only be confirmed once laboratory testing has been completed.

The woman remains in police custody and is expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrate's Court on Monday, 29 June 2026, on charges related to dealing in drugs.