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A SUSPECTED drug mule has been arrested at OR Tambo International Airport in South Africa.
The man from Brazil was bust on Tuesday, July 30, with cocaine valued at R1 million. It is alleged that the police received information about a man on a flight from São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport in Brazil carrying drugs.
National police spokeswoman Athlenda Mathe stated that the suspect was apprehended as soon as the plane landed just before 7am.
“Police identified the mule and took him for questioning while the team searched the aircraft and found a parcel of cocaine worth R1 million,” said Mathe.
She noted that the cocaine was wrapped in plastic, leading police to believe that the package was strapped to his body.
“The man, a Brazilian national, has been detained and charged with drug trafficking.”
National police commissioner General Fannie Masemola praised the arrest and issued a warning to those involved in transnational organised crime.
“Mzansi is no playground for these syndicates involved in drug trafficking. Our members across the country remain vigilant and ready to intercept drug traffickers. It’s been a productive two weeks for the SAPS, with R252 million worth of cocaine seized in the Western Cape, including a Russian national among those arrested. A drug lab was shut down in Limpopo, and two Mexican nationals were arrested in that case.”
Masemola emphasised that SAPS is working closely with international authorities to share information.
“We will continue to intensify our efforts in intercepting criminals and illicit substances, including illegal firearms,” he said.
The suspect is expected to appear in the Kempton Park Magistrates Court this week on a charge of drug trafficking. (www.snl24.com)
Online Reporter