Over the past three days two men, aged 53 and 48; and two women, aged 53 and 34 years were arrested in separate incidents at the Oliver Reginald Tambo International Airport after being found in possession of substantial amounts of products suspected to be cocaine.
The two men were stopped and searched as they were en-route to their final destinations. The 53 year old man’s luggage was searched and suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of R 1.3 million was found in a false compartment of his bag.
The 48 year old man was searched and through an x-ray machine it was discovered that he had foreign items in his stomach. The suspect was taken to hospital where 13 capsules, believed to have contained cocaine, were removed safely. A further 49 capsules, also suspected of containing cocaine, were found in a malfunctioned toilet of the flight which the suspect was on.
During further joint intelligence-driven operations the luggage of the women was intercepted before they were about to board flights either to or via Dubai. Both their bags were searched and it was discovered that each of their bags had secret compartments.
The bag belonging to the 53 year old woman contained cereal boxes as well as a protein shake container. The boxes and the container enclosed white powder which preliminary investigations indicated to be cocaine with an estimated street value of R980 000.
The second suspect was also stopped by the team as she was checking in. The false compartment contained white powder also believed to be cocaine which was found wrapped in paper. The estimated value of this product could easily reach R680 000 if it is proven to be cocaine.
The 53 year old suspect is appearing today in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s court and the 34 years old will appear in the same court tomorrow on charges of possession of illegal drugs.
The law enforcement agencies at ORTIA have no space for drug dealers/peddlers in this country. These substances and their precursors are ravaging our communities and such arrests bear testimony to the commitment of this team to rid this country of drugs and drug dealers. Investigations are continuing.
The suspects will be appearing in the Kempton Park magistrates’ court soon on charges of possession, dealing and/or trafficking of illegal drugs.
