Foreign man caught smuggling cocaine at OR Tambo

A 39-year-old drug trafficker was arrested on arrival from Sao Paulo at OR Tambo International Airport on May 23.

The Brazilian national was in transit to Benin when police officers stopped him at the airport. He was pulled aside and during a body search, cocaine was found wrapped around his legs.

He was arrested and is expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrates Court on a charge of drug trafficking.

ALSO READ: SAPS cracks down on drugs in Eldos

The SAPS has reported that police officers are intensifying their efforts to clamp down on the illegal trade of drugs.

The following successful arrests were reported from January to March:

• 23 306 suspects were arrested for being in possession of drugs, including traffickers apprehended at OR Tambo International Airport.

Most of the traffickers come from Brazil and were found to have swallowed the drugs. Through targeted intelligence operations, more than 20 drug traffickers were intercepted.

• A total of 3 471 suspects were arrested for dealing in drugs; this included six Mozambicans and three South Africans who were arrested in Standerton.

Drugs. High-performance vehicles and machinery, all to the cost of R27m, were confiscated in this operation, including R3m in cash found in a Mercedes Benz.

During this same period, a clandestine drug laboratory was also shut down in Westonaria, Gauteng and two suspects were arrested.