3 drug traffickers intercepted in one week at OR Tambo
Police said two of the suspects had ingested drug-filled bullets while the other suspect had stored 90 kilograms of khat in their luggage.
On 10 June 2025, police intercepted an Ethiopian national carrying drugs in his luggage at the OR Tambo International Airport. Picture: X/@SAPoliceService
JOHANNESBURG - Police have intercepted three drug traffickers at OR Tambo International Airport.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) said two of the suspects had ingested drug-filled bullets, while the other suspect had stored 90 kilograms of khat in their luggage.
Last week, a Nigerian national was arrested upon arrival from São Paulo en route to Nigeria, after police discovered 70 drug bullets in his system.
Four days later, a Brazilian national was handcuffed after she had landed from Sao Paulo with 100 ingested cocaine-filled bullets.
Police spokesperson Amanda van Wyk said on the same day, another person was caught with drugs.
“Later the same day, police intercepted a 57-year-old Ethiopian national at the airport's check-in counter before he could board a flight out of the country. A search of the suspect’s luggage uncovered over 90 kilograms of khat.”
Police added that in the past six months, they have intercepted more than 23 drug traffickers at OR Tambo.
The three suspects are set to appear soon at the Kempton Park Magistrates Court on charges of drug trafficking.