A 39-year-old Brazilian national was apprehended at OR Tambo International Airport on Friday morning after authorities discovered cocaine valued at approximately R1.4 million concealed around his legs.
The suspect had arrived from São Paulo, Brazil, and was en route to Benin when he was intercepted by police officers at the airport. During a routine body search, the illicit substance was found wrapped around his thighs.
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed the arrest, stating that the individual is expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on charges of drug trafficking.
This incident is part of a broader crackdown on drug trafficking through South Africa’s main international gateway. Between January and March 2025, over 23,000 suspects were arrested nationwide for drug-related offenses, with more than 20 drug traffickers intercepted at OR Tambo International Airport alone. Many of these individuals had ingested drug-filled pellets or concealed narcotics on their bodies.
In a separate operation, authorities dismantled a clandestine drug laboratory in Standerton, Mpumalanga, arresting six Mozambican nationals and three South Africans. The raid resulted in the seizure of drugs, high-performance vehicles, machinery valued at R27 million, and R3 million in cash found in the boot of a Mercedes-Benz.
Law enforcement agencies continue to intensify efforts to combat the illicit drug trade, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation and intelligence-driven operations to curb the influx of narcotics into the country.
