SAPS Arrests 3rd Suspected Drug Mule at OR Tambo in 3 Weeks, Seizes R2m Heroin

• SAPS and the Border Management Authority intercepted a 52-year-old South African man at OR Tambo International Airport on Sunday, 20 September 2026
• The suspect had just landed on a flight from Accra, Ghana, when police discovered substances believed to be heroin hidden in his luggage
• The arrest is the third of its kind at the airport in three weeks, as authorities intensify intelligence-led operations against drug trafficking syndicates

GAUTENG — A 52-year-old South African man was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport on Sunday, 20 September 2026, after police discovered substances believed to be heroin with an estimated street value exceeding R2 million concealed in his luggage.

The South African Police Service (SAPS), operating alongside the Border Management Authority (BMA), intercepted the suspect shortly after he disembarked a flight from Accra, Ghana, as part of an intelligence-led operation.

Heroin hidden in bullet-like objects and blocks

A search of the man's bags uncovered bullet-shaped objects and blocks containing what investigators suspect to be heroin. The suspect is expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrates' Court later this week on drug trafficking-related charges. Investigations into the matter remain ongoing.

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Third arrest at OR Tambo in three weeks

The bust is notable for being the third successful interception of a suspected drug mule at the same port of entry within a three-week period, pointing to a sustained push by law enforcement to disrupt narcotics networks operating through the airport.

SAPS stated that it would continue to intensify efforts aimed at dismantling drug trafficking syndicates through targeted, intelligence-driven operations.

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45-year-old man bust with cocaine at OR Tambo

In similar news, a 45-year-old man is facing drug-related charges after being apprehended at OR Tambo International Airport. The South African Police Service confirmed that the man was arrested on Monday, 7 September 2026, with roughly two kilograms of cocaine. The cocaine was estimated to be worth more than R800 000 on the street. Police stated that officers acted on intelligence-driven information before intercepting the suspect. At the time of his arrest, he was allegedly in the process of boarding a flight bound for Hong Kong, China.

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333 kilogram drug bust at OR Tambo

Previously, Briefly News reported that more than 333 kilograms of suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of between R167 million and R200 million has been seized at OR Tambo International Airport following a targeted operation involving a flight from São Paulo, Brazil. SARS Customs and Excise led the operation in collaboration with SAPS and other law enforcement partners, covering baggage off-loading, passenger arrivals screening, and cargo inspections.

Source: Briefly News