Is South Africa becoming a hotbed of drug mules? | APAnews

South African authorities have arrested fourteen drug couriers at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg in the past two weeks alone. This is a worrying development that underlines the country’s growing reputation as a drug trafficking hub.

The latest arrest took place on Sunday when a Paraguayan from Brazil was detained after being found with around 20 bullets of cocaine.

The incident followed on the heels of another major arrest just a week earlier, when a South African woman, also traveling from Brazil, was apprehended with 110 drug bullets – the largest quantity seized in eight years, according to the South African Police Service (SAPS). ).

Both individuals were reportedly profiled before their flight and arrested upon arrival in South Africa, raising concerns about how many others may have slipped through the cracks.

This alarming trend raises questions about the country’s role in the continent’s drug trade and the effectiveness of border control measures.

The increase in arrests has led to speculation about whether South Africa is becoming a hotspot for drug cartels or whether this issue is continuing, with enforcement agencies only now stepping up their efforts.

In the past week alone, two Dutch human traffickers were arrested for attempting to travel from South Africa to the Netherlands via Dubai with 80 kg of khat – a stimulant plant.

JN/APA