The South African Police Service (SAPS) has arrested a 55-year-old Nigerian national for suspected drug trafficking shortly after he landed at OR Tambo International Airport from São Paulo, Brazil.
SAPS spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Amanda Van Wyk, said the man was arrested on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at the busy airport after he was allegedly found to have swallowed cocaine with an estimated street value of R7.5 million.
A medical x-ray revealed that the suspect had ingested multiple objects suspected to be pellets containing cocaine.
“He is still releasing the pellets,” Van Wyk added.
The suspect is expected to appear in the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court soon.
This arrest comes just weeks after police apprehended two South African drug mules at the same airport, seizing cocaine worth an estimated R7.5 million.