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The South African Police Service (SAPS), working with the Border Management Authority (BMA), has arrested a 52-year-old South African man after allegedly discovering suspected heroin valued at more than R2 million in his luggage at OR Tambo International Airport.
The arrest was made on Sunday, September 20, 2026, following an intelligence-led operation shortly after the suspect arrived on a flight from Accra, Ghana.
According to SAPS, officers searched the man’s luggage and found bullet-shaped objects and blocks containing substances believed to be heroin. The suspected narcotics have an estimated street value exceeding R2 million.
The arrest is the third involving an alleged drug mule at OR Tambo International Airport within the past three weeks, as South African law enforcement agencies step up efforts to disrupt drug trafficking operations.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court later this week to face charges linked to drug trafficking.
Authorities are continuing their investigations to determine the origin of the suspected drugs and establish whether the man was operating on behalf of a larger trafficking network.
In a statement posted on Facebook on Sunday, SAPS said it would maintain and strengthen intelligence-driven and targeted operations designed to dismantle drug trafficking syndicates.
“The suspect is expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court later this week to face drug trafficking-related charges, while investigations remain ongoing,” SAPS said.
The seizure comes amid heightened attention on international drug trafficking routes involving South Africa and other countries. Law enforcement agencies have consequently increased screening, intelligence gathering and targeted operations at major ports of entry.