The South African Police Service (SAPS), with support from the Border Management Authority (BMA), has arrested a 52-year-old South African national at OR Tambo International Airport after allegedly finding suspected heroin worth more than R2 million in his luggage.
The arrest followed an intelligence-led operation at the airport on Sunday, September 20, 2026, shortly after the suspect arrived on a flight from Accra, Ghana.
According to SAPS, a search of the suspect’s luggage uncovered bullet-like objects and blocks containing substances suspected to be heroin.
The seized drugs are estimated to have a street value of more than R2 million.
The latest arrest brings to three the number of suspected drug mules arrested at OR Tambo International Airport in the past three weeks, as South African authorities intensify operations targeting drug trafficking syndicates.
SAPS said the suspect is expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court later this week to face drug trafficking-related charges.
Investigations are continuing to establish the source of the suspected drugs and determine whether the suspect was acting as part of a wider trafficking network.
In a statement posted on Facebook on Sunday, SAPS said it would continue to intensify intelligence-led and targeted operations aimed at dismantling drug trafficking syndicates.
“The suspect is expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court later this week to face drug trafficking-related charges, while investigations remain ongoing,” the statement said.
The latest seizure comes amid increased scrutiny of international drug trafficking routes involving South Africa and other countries, with authorities stepping up checks and intelligence operations at major ports of entry.
