Officers from the SAPS arrested three suspects for drug trafficking at OR Tambo International Airport in the space of a week.

On June 5, a 42-year-old Nigerian national was arrested shortly after arriving from São Paulo, en route to Nigeria.

He landed at 07:00 and was intercepted by SAPS members. A medical x-ray confirmed he had ingested more than 70 drug “bullets” suspected to contain cocaine.

On June 10 at 06:15, officers intercepted a 30-year-old Brazilian national who had just arrived from São Paulo.

She informed police that she had ingested over 100 cocaine-filled capsules, which was later confirmed by medical imaging.

Later that same day, a 57-year-old Ethiopian national was stopped at the airport’s check-in counter before he could board a flight.

Also read: R1.9m in drugs seized from female Brazilian drug mule

A search of his luggage revealed over 90 kilograms of Khat.

All three suspects were arrested and are expected to appear in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on charges of drug trafficking.

“These arrests reflect the continued success of our intelligence-driven operations at ports of entry,” said Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk. “Our members remain committed to disrupting drug trafficking networks and bringing offenders to justice.”

SAPS reports that over the past six months, more than 23 drug traffickers have been intercepted at OR Tambo International Airport alone.