A 23-year-old South African woman arrested on charges of dealing in drugs at OR Tambo International Airport

A 23-year-old South African woman arrested on charges of dealing in drugs at OR Tambo International Airport

June 28, 2026 • News

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has intercepted and arrested a 23-year-old South African woman on charges of dealing in drugs at OR Tambo International Airport on Friday, 26 June 2026.

The suspect was identified by Border Police following the receipt of operational information. She was taken for medical examination, where X-rays confirmed the presence of suspected drug-filled capsules inside her body.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect travelled on a domestic route before attempting to continue her journey on an international flight. She was intercepted upon her return to OR Tambo International Airport before boarding a direct flight to Tokyo.

At the time of her arrest, the suspect had released 28 suspected drug-filled capsules. The process is ongoing under strict medical supervision, and the recovered exhibits have been booked into the SAPS exhibit management system for forensic analysis.

The street value and exact type of the suspected narcotics will be determined once forensic testing has been completed.

The suspect remains in police custody and is expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 29 June 2026, on charges relating to dealing in drugs.

SAPS remains committed to disrupting transnational drug trafficking networks and preventing illicit substances from entering or leaving South Africa through its ports of entry.