Police seize R6 million worth of cocaine disguised as hair products at OR Tambo

The South African Police Service (SAPS), in collaboration with Customs officials, successfully intercepted a drug shipment at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.

SAPS spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel, Amanda Van Wyk said the discovery was made on Tuesday and the operation resulted in the seizure of cocaine valued at an estimated R6 million.

She said the cocaine was reportedly en route from São Paulo in Brazil, to France, making a scheduled stop in South Africa.

"The cocaine was concealed in boxes disguised as hair products. Further investigations are ongoing," she added.

The same day, police arrested a 55-year-old Nigerian national suspected of drug trafficking shortly after landing at OR Tambo from São Paulo, Brazil.

Van Wyk said the man was arrested at the busy airport after he was allegedly found to have swallowed cocaine with an estimated street value of R7.5 million.

"The suspect had just landed from Saõ Paulo, Brazil when he was intercepted by police. A medical x-ray revealed that the mule had swallowed multiple objects suspected to be bullets containing cocaine," said Van Wyk.

The two drug busts come days after police arrested two South African drug traffickers who also landed at the airport from São Paulo, Brazil.

Van Wyk said the duo was allegedly found in possession of cocaine with an estimated street value of R7.5 million.

"The pair, a male and a female, arrived separately on different flights from Brazil when they were intercepted by police. Upon inspection, the female suspect was allegedly found in possession of cocaine worth R2.5 million, while the male suspect was allegedly carrying R5 million worth of cocaine in his luggage," she said.

sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za

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