OR Tambo drug bust: 52-year-old arrested with heroin worth more than R2 million

A 52-year-old South African national has been arrested at OR Tambo International Airport after police allegedly found heroin worth more than R2 million in his luggage.

The suspect was intercepted by police at the airport on Sunday, 20 September, shortly after arriving on a flight from Accra, Ghana.

The arrest followed an intelligence-led operation conducted by the South African Police Service (SAPS), with support from the Border Management Authority (BMA).

A search of the suspect’s luggage allegedly uncovered bullet-like objects and blocks containing substances suspected to be heroin.

The suspect is expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court later this week on drug trafficking-related charges.

The latest arrest brings to three the number of suspected drug mules arrested at OR Tambo International Airport over the past three weeks.

SAPS said investigations into the latest arrest are continuing as authorities intensify efforts to disrupt drug trafficking syndicates.

Lt Col Amanda van Wyk said: “SAPS continues to intensify its efforts to dismantle and dislodge drug trafficking syndicates through ongoing intelligence-led and targeted operations.”