South African Man Arrested at OR Tambo with Suspected Heroin Worth Over R2 Million

A 52‑year‑old South African man was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport on Sunday, September 20, after police allegedly discovered suspected heroin in his luggage. The arrest was part of an intelligence‑led operation carried out by the South African Police Service (SAPS) with support from the Border Management Authority (BMA). According to SAPS, the suspect had just arrived on a flight from Accra, Ghana, when he was intercepted at the airport. A search of his luggage allegedly uncovered bullet‑shaped objects and blocks containing substances suspected to be heroin, with an estimated street value of more than R2 million. This latest arrest brings the total number of suspected drug mules detained at OR Tambo in the past three weeks to three, as authorities intensify operations against drug trafficking. The suspect is expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court later this week, where he is expected to face drug‑trafficking related charges. SAPS said investigations are continuing to establish the source of the suspected drugs and determine whether the suspect was linked to a wider trafficking network. The police have pledged to continue intelligence‑led and targeted operations aimed at disrupting drug trafficking syndicates.