Africa: The South African Police Service (SAPS) apprehended a Nigerian man aged 55 at OR Tambo International Airport in the charges of drug trafficking on Tuesday, March 04, 2025. The suspect arrived on a flight from Sao Paulo, Brazil when authorities intercepted him.
Reportedly, a subsequent medical X-Ray was done which revealed that he had ingested multiple pellets that is commonly referred to as ‘Bullets’ and is believed to contain cocaine.
The suspect was subjected to routine profiling by SAPS officers at OR Tambo International Airport, upon his arrival from Sao Paulo. His suspicious behaviour was noticed by the officers and they conducted a medical examination, which confirmed the presence of foreign objects in his gastrointestinal tract. These objects are suspected to be filled with cocaine pellets.
As per the latest reports, the suspect has been put in a process of expelling the ingested pellets under medical supervision. He is given the time and is expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court this week to face charges related to drug trafficking.
The arrest has been considered as a part of the recent series of drug trafficking cases at OR Tambo International Airport. In Feb 2025, two South African nationals were arrested upon arrival from Sao Paulo, Brazil. A female suspect was found in possession of cocaine valued at approx. R2.5 million, whereas a male suspect had cocaine of worth R5 million concealed in his luggage.
Last year, in Sept 2024, a South African woman aged 21 expelled 110 cocaine-filled pellets after getting arrested. Also, a Namibian woman aged 30 was arrested under similar circumstances for expelling over 60 drug pellets.
Furthermore, in collaboration with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) Customs, the SAPS has intensified its efforts to combat drug trafficking at major entry points, especially the OR Tambo International Airport.
The advanced profiling techniques has increased surveillance and inter-agency cooperation have been pivotal in these recent successful interceptions.
Notably, individuals who engage in smuggling drugs internally, often referred to as ‘drug mules’, face significant health risks. The ingestion of drug-filled pellets can lead to intestinal obstruction, perforation or even death if a pellet ruptures, that led to a potentially fatal overdose.
However, medical intervention is crucial to safely retrieve the ingested substances and ensure the health and legal processing of the individuals.