Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, the deputy police commissioner, has confirmed that a 43-year-old Paraguayan man, caught in a drug smuggling operation at OR Tambo International Airport, was rushed to the hospital due to a sudden health issue.
This incident unfolded on Sunday after he arrived on a flight from São Paulo.
The suspect has reportedly expelled around 117 drug capsules, believed to be cocaine, during the interrogation process.
However, this procedure has now been halted for his medical treatment, raising concerns about the dangers associated with drug trafficking.
Surge in Drug Arrests at OR Tambo
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), drug-related arrests at OR Tambo Airport have become alarmingly frequent, with at least one individual detained each week over the past month.
Just last week, authorities apprehended three drug mules, including two Dutch nationals, who were in possession of a whopping 80 kilograms of Khat.
The recent arrest marks the 14th drug mule caught in a series of similar operations in recent weeks, highlighting a concerning trend in airport drug trafficking.
A Warning to Traffickers
Lieutenant General Mosikili emphasized the significance of this arrest, stating it should serve as a stark warning to those involved in drug trafficking.
She stressed that these activities are not only illegal but can also be life-threatening.
“This operation must resonate as a deterrent, making it clear that engaging in such activities can have severe consequences,” she stated.
The SAPS remains vigilant in their efforts to combat drug-related crimes at OR Tambo International Airport, reinforcing their commitment to public safety.
The Growing Concern of Drug Trafficking
In a related incident, a 21-year-old South African woman was apprehended last week as she arrived on a flight from São Paulo.
This marked her as the eleventh individual arrested for drug trafficking at the airport.
Medical examinations revealed she had swallowed foreign objects, further underscoring the severe risks associated with drug smuggling.
The police are continuing their investigations, and the community remains on alert as the authorities ramp up their efforts to tackle this ongoing issue.
What’s the next step for law enforcement in addressing these challenges?
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