Police have arrested a 52-year-old South African national after he allegedly arrived at OR Tambo International Airport on a flight from Accra with substances suspected to be heroin worth more than GH¢1.4 million.
The arrest was made by the South African Police Service (SAPS), with support from the Border Management Authority (BMA), during an intelligence-led operation on Sunday, September 20, 2026.
According to SAPS, the suspect had just arrived from Accra when he was intercepted by police at the airport.
A search of his luggage allegedly led to the discovery of bullet-like objects and blocks containing substances suspected to be heroin.
The suspected drugs have an estimated street value of more than R2 million, equivalent to over GH¢1.4 million or $120,000.
The latest arrest brings to three the number of suspected drug mules arrested at OR Tambo International Airport within the past three weeks, according to SAPS.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court later this week to face drug trafficking-related charges.
Investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the suspected drugs and whether the suspect is connected to a wider drug trafficking network.
SAPS says it will continue to intensify intelligence-led and targeted operations to disrupt drug trafficking syndicates and prevent the movement of illicit drugs through the country’s ports of entry.
