Heroin worth R2m seized at OR Tambo, alleged drug mule arrested

Police at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg arrested a 52-year-old South African and seized heroin with an estimated street value of more than R2 million, authorities said. The arrest and seizure were reported on 21 September 2026.

Stop at the airport

Provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Amanda van Wyk said the suspect was intercepted after arriving on a flight from Accra, Ghana.

“The 52-year-old South African had just arrived on a flight from Accra, Ghana, when police intercepted him at the airport.”

What police found

Van Wyk said a search of the man’s luggage uncovered bullet-like objects and blocks containing substances suspected to be heroin.

She also said this arrest brings the total number of suspected drug mules stopped at this port of entry to three in the past three weeks.

Court appearance

The 52-year-old was expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court later this week to face drug trafficking charges, the police statement said.

Related operations

The police report included other recent drug-related arrests: a 62-year-old woman arrested in Hammanskraal after officers found crystal methamphetamine during a search, and two Tanzanians arrested in Limpopo following the seizure of dagga worth an estimated R1.5 million in Vhembe district.

Colonel Isaac Mahamba said of the Hammanskraal arrest: “During a physical search, officers discovered a quantity of crystal methamphetamine [crystal meth] in her possession.”

Investigation and enforcement

The police statements present the incidents as part of ongoing operations and responses to community tip-offs. Further legal proceedings were noted for the suspects mentioned.