Police Arrest Brazilian National Caught with R1.4 Million Worth of Cocaine
Police have arrested a 39-year-old Brazilian national at OR Tambo International Airport after he was caught with cocaine worth an estimated R1.4 million strapped to his legs. The arrest, which took place on Friday, was the result of routine profiling during a security operation conducted by officers of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
According to police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, the suspect had arrived from São Paulo, Brazil, and was en route to Benin when law enforcement officials became suspicious of his behavior. During a routine screening and profiling exercise, he was singled out for further inspection. A physical search subsequently revealed that he had hidden packets of cocaine securely strapped to his legs beneath his clothing.
“He has been arrested and is expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrates Court on a charge of drug trafficking,” said Mathe, noting that investigations into the case remain ongoing.
This latest drug bust underscores the continued efforts by police to clamp down on international drug smuggling syndicates that target South Africa’s airports as transit points. The suspect is currently in custody, and further investigation is underway to determine the source of the drugs and whether the individual is linked to a larger organized crime network.
Authorities believe the man may have been acting as a drug mule—a tactic frequently used by traffickers to move narcotics across borders discreetly. Drug mules are often recruited to carry narcotics on or in their bodies in exchange for money or under coercion. This method, while risky, continues to be used globally due to its perceived success in bypassing standard customs inspections.
Police Arrest Brazilian National with R1.4 Million Worth of Cocaine at OR Tambo Airport
The drugs confiscated from the suspect were immediately sent for analysis, and preliminary tests confirmed the substance to be cocaine. The estimated street value of R1.4 million suggests the narcotics were destined for sale either in Benin or through further transit to other destinations.
Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) issued a statement applauding the vigilance of the officers involved in the arrest. “We commend the SAPS and airport security teams for their diligence and commitment to ensuring that our ports of entry are not exploited by criminals. This interception shows the critical role of collaborative efforts between various law enforcement and airport security units,” the statement read.
SAPS has reiterated that South Africa will not tolerate being used as a trafficking hub for international drug syndicates. In recent years, the country’s airports—particularly OR Tambo International—have seen increased surveillance and enhanced security protocols to curb such activities. Routine profiling, use of drug detection dogs, intelligence sharing with international agencies, and body scanners have all been part of the strategy to counter the threat.
“The arrest of this suspect is not just a win for South African authorities, but also a message to criminal networks that our borders are closely monitored and that offenders will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Mathe emphasized.
Police officials say arrests like this are crucial not only for preventing drugs from entering or passing through South Africa but also for gathering intelligence that could lead to the dismantling of larger drug trafficking operations.
The suspect is expected to make his first court appearance soon, where he will be formally charged. If convicted, he could face significant prison time under South African drug trafficking laws, which carry severe penalties for offenses involving large quantities of narcotics.
As investigations continue, police are urging members of the public to report any suspicious activity at airports or border posts. Crime tip-offs can be provided anonymously via the SAPS Crime Stop number, with authorities assuring the public of confidentiality and swift response to credible information.
This case adds to a growing list of successful interceptions by the SAPS, reaffirming the critical role of proactive policing and international cooperation in the ongoing fight against global drug trafficking.
Source- EWN
