Woman’s flight to Johannesburg halted after suspected R300,000 drugs found in doll

A 36-year-old woman has been arrested at Bram Fischer International Airport after police allegedly discovered 232 stones suspected to be crack cocaine hidden inside a hairdresser doll head.

The suspect was about to board a flight to Johannesburg when airport police were alerted to suspicious material detected by a scanning machine on Saturday, 22 August 2026.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), members of the Visible Policing Unit responded to a call from an Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) supervisor at about 11:26.

“The members responded to the call and, on arrival, were pointed to a hairdresser doll head belonging to the 36-year-old female who was about to depart on a flight to Johannesburg,” SAPS said in a statement.

Experts from the Local Criminal Records Centre were also called to process the scene.

Police then opened the doll head and discovered suspected drugs concealed inside it.

“The hairdresser doll head was opened, and the material stuffed inside the doll with foam was removed,” SAPS said.

A total of 232 stones suspected to be rock drug or crack cocaine were allegedly recovered, with an estimated street value of R300,000.

“232 Stones suspected to be rock drug or crack cocaine, with an estimated street value of R300,000, were counted in the presence of the suspect,” police said.

A further search of the woman allegedly uncovered more than R93,000 in cash.

“The police conducted a further body search, and R93 220 in cash was found in the suspect’s possession,” SAPS said.

The woman was immediately arrested and is facing a charge of possession of drugs, with an additional charge of money laundering.

“A case docket of possession of drugs, with an additional charge of money laundering, was opened at Navalsig Police Station,” police said.

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly known as the Hawks, will investigate the case.

The suspect is expected to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court soon.

Police said the investigation is continuing as authorities work to establish the origin of the suspected drugs and the circumstances surrounding the cash allegedly found in the suspect’s possession.