South African authorities have arrested a 52-year-old man at OR Tambo International Airport after allegedly discovering substances suspected to be heroin worth more than R2 million in his luggage.
According to South African police, the suspect had just arrived on a flight from Accra, Ghana, when he was intercepted during an intelligence-led operation involving the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Border Management Authority.
Police said a search of the traveller’s luggage uncovered bullet-like objects and blocks containing substances suspected to be heroin. The suspected drugs were estimated to have a street value of more than R2 million.
The suspect is a South African national, according to police reports. Authorities have not established publicly in the initial reports whether the suspected drugs originated in Ghana or whether the traveller was acting on behalf of a wider trafficking network.
The arrest comes amid intensified efforts by South African authorities to target suspected drug trafficking through major ports of entry.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk said the latest arrest brings the number of suspected drug mules arrested at OR Tambo International Airport to three within three weeks.
The arrested man is expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court later this week, where he is expected to face drug trafficking-related charges.
Investigations are continuing as authorities seek to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged trafficking operation and whether other individuals or networks were involved.
The allegations remain subject to the outcome of the investigation and court proceedings. The substances seized have been described by police as suspected heroin, rather than confirmed heroin pending the relevant investigative and legal processes.
GhanaMedia will continue to follow developments in the case as further information becomes available.
