A 23-year-old South African woman has been arrested on charges of drug trafficking after allegedly attempting to smuggle suspected narcotics through OR Tambo International Airport.

According to the SAPS, the suspect was arrested on Friday, June 26, after members of the Border Police acted on operational information.

She was taken for a medical examination, where X-rays reportedly confirmed the presence of suspected drug-filled capsules inside her body.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the woman had travelled on a domestic flight before attempting to continue her journey on an international route. Police intercepted her upon her return to OR Tambo International Airport before she could board a direct flight to Tokyo.

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At the time of her arrest, the suspect had released 28 suspected drug-filled capsules. The recovery process remains ongoing under strict medical supervision, with all recovered exhibits booked into the SAPS exhibit management system for forensic analysis.

Police said the exact type of narcotics and their estimated street value will only be determined once forensic testing has been completed.

The suspect remains in police custody and is expected to appear in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on Monday, June 29, on charges of dealing in drugs.

SAPS said it remains committed to disrupting transnational drug trafficking networks and preventing illicit substances from entering or leaving South Africa through the country’s ports of entry.

SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Vincent Mukhathi said the arrest demonstrates the service’s continued efforts to combat organised drug trafficking and strengthen security at South Africa’s ports of entry.