A 55-year-old individual from Nigeria has been apprehended at OR Tambo International Airport in South Africa on suspicion of drug trafficking upon arrival from São Paulo, Brazil.
Local reports from South Africa indicated that the suspect was intercepted by airport authorities. Subsequent medical examination revealed that the individual had ingested multiple drug-filled capsules containing cocaine.
Confirming the arrest, a spokesperson for the Gauteng police, Amanda van Wyk, mentioned that the suspect, who is still expelling the capsules, is scheduled to appear in court this week.
Law enforcement officers are closely monitoring the situation to ensure the safe removal of the illicit substances from the suspect’s body.
Addressing the issue of drug mule arrests at the airport, the National Police Commissioner discussed the increasing incidents of such arrests at OR Tambo International Airport in a recent meeting in Pretoria.
The Commissioner highlighted various past cases, including the recent arrest of individuals carrying significant amounts of cocaine and the interception of drug mules attempting to smuggle narcotics into the country.
These arrests are part of a broader effort to combat international drug trafficking, with authorities not only focusing on airports but also conducting operations at ports to seize illegal substances being smuggled into the country.