Woman arrested after 232 stones of suspected cocaine found inside hairdresser’s doll head at OR Tambo

A 36-year-old woman was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport after security staff and police discovered 232 stones of suspected crack cocaine concealed inside a hairdresser’s doll head. The haul, which police say has an estimated street value of R300 000, led to charges including possession of drugs and an additional money‑laundering count.

How police say the drugs were found

Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Covane said members of the Visible Policing Unit were alerted to the suspicious item by an Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) supervisor. Officers were directed to the doll head, which belonged to the 36‑year‑old woman who was at the airport and due to travel.

Local Criminal Records Centre experts were called to the scene. When the doll head was opened, foam stuffing was removed and 232 stones suspected to be rock drug or crack cocaine were counted in the presence of the suspect, Covane said.

Arrest, cash seized and charges

Following the discovery, police conducted a body search and found R93 220 in cash in the suspect’s possession. Covane said the woman was immediately arrested and that a case docket for possession of drugs and an additional money‑laundering charge was opened at Navalsig Police Station.

The docket will be investigated by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), and the suspect is expected to appear in Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court.

Key details

• Location: OR Tambo International Airport.
• Seizure: 232 stones of suspected crack cocaine concealed inside a hairdresser’s doll head; estimated street value R300 000.
• Cash found: R93 220 on the suspect during a body search.
• Action: Case docket opened at Navalsig Police Station; DPCI to investigate; suspect in custody and set to appear in Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court.

This account is based on reporting by The Citizen and statements attributed to SAPS spokespersons in that coverage.