Cape Town - An alleged drug mule has been arrested at Cape Town International Airport with 2.7 kilograms of cocaine and 200 grams of heroin worth R870 000 hidden inside her shoes and luggage after travelling from Brazil.
The 28-year-old woman cannot be identified until she makes her first appearance at the Bellville Magistrates’ Court tomorrow on charges of possession of cocaine and heroin.
Hawks spokesperson Zinzi Hani said the team swooped on the woman on Tuesday at Cape Town International Airport and examined her luggage and shoes after she had arrived from Sao Paulo, Brazil.
She had travelled via Qatar Airlines.
They had found the 2.7 kilograms of cocaine and 200 grams of heroin concealed in her luggage and shoes
“The suspect was intercepted by an integrated multidisciplinary operation that included the Hawks’ South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau (SANEB) together with the Crime Intelligence and Customs division from the South African Revenue Services (Sars).
“The joint team acted on a tip-off about a suspect travelling from Sao Paulo, Brazil, to Cape Town, South Africa, via Qatar airline, upon searching her luggage, the authorities allegedly found more than 2,7 kg of Cocaine and 200 grams of heroin concealed in her luggage and shoes. She was immediately placed under arrest and the drugs seized for further investigation.”
Acting Provincial Head of the Hawks in the Western Cape, Brigadier Mushavhaduvha Ramovha, praised the joint team for the drug bust success.
“This is an indication of the capacity and capabilities of the joint security forces to decisively deal with the numerous attempts to use the airport as a thoroughfare for drug smuggling.”
Weekend Argus