Nigerian Man Arrested at OR Tambo Airport for Swallowing Cocaine Worth R7.5 Million

Nigerian drug mule nabbed at OR Tambo Airport

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has arrested a 55-year-old Nigerian national suspected of drug trafficking shortly after he arrived at OR Tambo International Airport from São Paulo, Brazil.

According to SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda Van Wyk, the man was taken into custody on Tuesday after a medical x-ray revealed he had swallowed multiple drug "bullets" containing cocaine, with an estimated street value of R7.5 million.

“The suspect had just landed from São Paulo, Brazil when he was intercepted by police. A medical x-ray confirmed that he had ingested multiple objects suspected to be cocaine-filled capsules," Van Wyk said, adding that the suspect is still in the process of releasing the drug packets.

He is expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court soon.

The suspect released the drugs from his stomach.

His arrest follows the recent apprehension of two South African drug traffickers, also arriving from São Paulo, who were allegedly found with cocaine worth R7.5 million in their luggage. Police said the female suspect carried R2.5 million worth of cocaine, while the male suspect had R5 million worth of the drug.

In a similar operation last December, two Brazilian nationals, aged 30 and 35, were arrested at OR Tambo Airport after one was found with over 4kg of cocaine in his luggage, while the other had swallowed multiple drug capsules. Authorities confirmed that at least 15 cocaine "bullets" were recovered.

SAPS continues to crack down on international drug trafficking operations at the busy airport, with law enforcement officials on high alert for drug mules attempting to smuggle narcotics into the country.