Police busted a Namibian drug mule at OR Tambo International Airport, who had over 60 bullets of suspected cocaine hidden in her stomach.
In a dramatic bust, the 30-year-old woman was intercepted by a vigilant team of SAPS, SARS customs, and immigration officials moments after landing from São Paulo, Brazil.
How Police Nabbed The Namibian Drug Mule With Cocaine In Her Stomach
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed:
“A 30-year-old female Namibian drug mule has been arrested at the OR Tambo International Airport. This is the tenth drug mule to be arrested at this Airport in the past two months.
“SAPS, SARS customs, and immigration officials were following up on intelligence from SAPS of a drug mule that would land from Sau Paulo at about 07:25 [22 September]. The team immediately intercepted the drug mule as she was making her way through immigration.”
After her arrest, a medical x-ray confirmed the grim find—foreign objects inside her stomach—leading to her immediate detention.
“She was immediately arrested, taken to a local hospital where a medical x-ray confirmed and detected foreign objects in her stomach,” Brigadier Mathe added.
Namibian Drug Mule Busted at OR Tambo with Cocaine Inside Her Stomach [Image: SAPS]
This marks the tenth drug mule arrest at the airport in just two months, with authorities acting on intelligence that pinpointed her arrival.
Authorities are still working to recover the remaining drugs and ascertain their exact value. The lady has released more than 60 bullets of suspected cocaine so far.
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The suspect remains under heavy police guard while the extraction process continues.
National Commissioner of SAPS, General Fannie Masemola, lauded the team’s efforts, saying:
“Our men and women in blue are hard at work intercepting hardened criminals. South Africa is not a playground for criminals and transnational organised crime. We are squeezing the space for criminals and leaving nothing to chance.”
#sapsHQ The process to release the suspected drugs from her body is underway. She has already released more than 60 bullets of suspected cocaine thus far. She is currently under police guard and custody.
This is the tenth drug mule to be arrested at the OR Tambo International… pic.twitter.com/3G2iIkU0kX
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) September 22, 2024
Mzansi Speaks On The Daring Lady
People online reacted to the arrest.
T-Junction:
“We need a proper investigation here.“
Ngwato:
“She’s a decoy for someone with a larger consignment.“
Lolo:
“Bring the death penalty for drug mules. Most of SA’s problems will be solved!“
Pablo:
“She was only caught because you were tipped off. She was only sold out because there was a bigger stash coming through, and they wanted you distracted with this small amount 🙄”