A 52-year-old South African man has been arrested at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg after police allegedly discovered suspected heroin worth more than R2 million, estimated at about US$110,000, in his luggage.
The arrest has drawn attention to the Accra-Johannesburg air route, following claims by South African authorities that the suspect had arrived in Johannesburg on a flight from Accra, Ghana.
According to South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson Amanda van Wyk, as reported by the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), the man was intercepted early Sunday during what police described as an intelligence-led operation.
A search of his luggage allegedly uncovered several bullet-shaped objects and blocks containing a substance suspected to be heroin. Authorities have not yet released laboratory results confirming the identity of the substance.
Third Suspected Drug Mule Arrest at OR Tambo
Police said the latest arrest is the third suspected drug mule case recorded at OR Tambo International Airport within three weeks.
SAPS spokesperson Amanda van Wyk indicated that the arrests could point to increased attempts at drug trafficking through the Johannesburg airport. However, authorities have not provided sufficient information to establish whether the other two cases were connected to Ghana or the Accra-Johannesburg route.
The nationalities of the other suspects and the origins of their flights have also not been disclosed.
The development has renewed attention on international drug trafficking, airport security and narcotics smuggling involving passengers travelling between African countries.
Suspect to Appear in Court
The 52-year-old suspect is expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court this week to face drug-trafficking-related charges.
The allegations against the suspect have not yet been tested in court, and no plea or verdict has been reported.
Authorities are expected to continue investigations into the suspected heroin seizure, including determining the substance’s identity, its alleged origin and its intended destination.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by South African police and airport security authorities to prevent illegal drugs from entering the country through major international travel hubs.
Source: newsthemegh.com