Paraguayan drug mule arrested at OR Tambo with cocaine bullets, 14th arrest in ongoing crackdown

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Paraguayan Drug Mule

Officials from the South African Police Service (SAPS), in collaboration with the South African Revenue Service (SARS), have arrested a 43-year-old Paraguayan national at OR Tambo International Airport for attempting to smuggle cocaine into the country. The arrest, which took place earlier today, marks the 14th drug mule apprehended at OR Tambo in recent weeks. This intensified operation highlights law enforcement’s commitment to curb international drug trafficking through one of Africa’s busiest airports.

According to police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk, the latest arrest is part of a broader strategy by SAPS and SARS to tackle drug smuggling activities. In recent weeks, at least one drug courier has been arrested at the airport every week. This week alone, three arrests were made, including two Dutch people who were caught smuggling 80 kg of Khat.

“Today’s arrest is the fourteenth drug courier arrested in recent weeks,” Van Wyk confirms.

Details of the Paraguayan Drug Mule arrest

The arrested Paraguayan drug mule had flown into OR Tambo from São Paulo, Brazil, a known drug trafficking hotspot. Upon arrival, the individual was apprehended by SAPS officers after behaving suspiciously during routine screening. A subsequent medical examination confirmed the officers’ suspicions and revealed that the suspect had swallowed numerous foreign objects suspected to be cocaine.

Van Wyk gave more details about the case:

“The drug mule had landed from São Paulo when he was arrested by police officials at the airport. A medical examination confirmed that he had swallowed multiple foreign objects and has so far released more than 20 bullets suspected to contain cocaine.”

Swallowing drug pellets – often referred to as “bullets” – is a common method used by drug couriers to smuggle illegal substances across international borders. It is extremely dangerous and poses serious health risks to the people involved. Medical experts work closely with authorities to ensure that all foreign objects are safely removed from the suspect’s system.

Increase in arrests by drug mules at OR Tambo

The Paraguayan national’s arrest is part of a broader pattern of increased drug mule activity at OR Tambo International Airport. Over the past month, SAPS has significantly stepped up its efforts to combat drug trafficking, leading to the arrest of 14 drug mules attempting to bring various illegal substances into the country.

Earlier this week, two Dutch drug traffickers were arrested in possession of 80 kg of Khat, a stimulant drug widely used in parts of Africa and the Middle East. The two individuals were intercepted at OR Tambo, underscoring the airport’s status as a major transit point for international drug smuggling operations.

International drug trafficking routes under scrutiny
OR Tambo International Airport has long been a crucial hub for both legal and illegal international traffic. Given its location as a gateway between Africa and the rest of the world, drug traffickers often target the airport as a route for smuggling contraband into South Africa and beyond.

São Paulo, Brazil, home of the Paraguayan drug mule, is known as a major source of cocaine trafficking, with international drug cartels often using mules to smuggle drugs into African and European markets. OR Tambo authorities have been working with international law enforcement agencies to better understand and intercept these smuggling operations.

This week’s arrests are part of a joint effort between SAPS and SARS to dismantle these drug trafficking networks. According to Lieutenant Colonel Van Wyk, the aim is not only to arrest the mules, but also to track down the wider criminal networks behind the operations.

“We are not just focusing on the individuals caught in possession of drugs. Our investigations are looking into the larger international syndicates responsible for the production and distribution of these illegal substances,” said Van Wyk.

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