According to South African media reports on Wednesday, the suspect was intercepted by police and later underwent a medical X-ray, which revealed that he had swallowed multiple drug pellets filled with cocaine.
Confirming the arrest, Gauteng police spokesperson Amanda van Wyk stated, “The suspect, who is still expelling drug pellets, is expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court this week.”
Authorities are closely monitoring the suspect’s condition as they await the full recovery of the illicit substances from his system.
Speaking at a strategic meeting on transnational crime in Pretoria, South Africa’s National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, raised concerns over the growing number of drug mules being apprehended at OR Tambo International Airport.
“Since 2024, we have arrested about 20 drug mules at OR Tambo International Airport,” Masemola said.
He also cited recent cases, including two South African nationals caught with cocaine worth R7.5 million, a Brazilian traveler found carrying over 4 kg of cocaine, and a Paraguayan drug mule who had swallowed 33 cocaine pellets.
The South African authorities have intensified crackdowns on drug trafficking, extending beyond airports to major ports. Masemola highlighted a recent intelligence-led operation at Durban Harbour, where law enforcement uncovered cocaine concealed inside paint containers shipped from Brazil.
Investigations suggest that these illicit drug shipments were destined for distribution in Gauteng, further underscoring the scale of transnational drug smuggling networks operating through South Africa.
