National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola, has reiterated his stance that South Africa is not a playground for criminals,  commending a multidisciplinary team at the OR Tambo International Airport for their continued vigilance.

Over the past two months, more than R13 million worth of drugs including approximately R12 million worth of cocaine has been seized at OR Tambo.

Nine drug mules have been arrested during this same period, with all suspects charged for the possession of illicit substances.

In the most recent incident, OR Tambo police apprehended a Nigerian drug mule on Friday, 13 September. Officers worked in conjunction with airport security, Border Management Authority members, customs officials and Airports Company of South Africa staff.

The suspected drug mule arrived from São Paulo and was connecting to Nigeria when he met with a cleaner at the airport and handed him airline headphones. Officers inspected the headphones and found cocaine stashed inside.

The drug mule claimed to be a street vendor in Nigeria, and stated he was in Brazil to buy clothes and shoes which he resells in his home country. The cleaner has evaded arrest, and Police have since launched a manhunt for him.

General Masemola applauded the men and women in blue, who “remain dedicated to putting a stop to the illicit drug trafficking trade.”