Brazilian national arrested at OR Tambo in R4.2m cocaine bust
The arrest followed an intelligence-driven operation conducted by a collaborative team made up of Crime Intelligence Counter Narcotics Intel Gauteng, the ORTIA SAPS Tactical Team, the Border Management Authority (BMA), and private security personnel.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Amanda van Wyk said they had intercepted the woman shortly after her flight landed from São Paulo in Brazil, via Doha in Qatar.
'A search of [the suspect's] luggage uncovered around 10 kilograms of cocaine concealed inside, and the suspect was subsequently taken for a medical examination to determine if cocaine-filled bullets had been ingested,' she added.
Van Wyk said the seizure formed part of ongoing law enforcement efforts to dismantle transnational drug syndicates operating between South Africa and other countries.
According to SAPS, more than 25 drug traffickers have been arrested at OR Tambo International Airport alone since the start of this year.
Van Wyk said the woman was expected to appear in the Kempton Park Magistrate's Court soon.
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