A major drug trafficking attempt has been intercepted at OR Tambo International Airport, where five South African women were arrested with drugs worth more than R5 million concealed on their bodies.
The arrests were made on Saturday, March 28, during an operation by the South African Police Service (SAPS), working with Airports Company South Africa.
Provincial spokesperson Colonel Amanda van Wyk said a preliminary report suggests that the suspects were en route to China via Dubai.
“A search led to the discovery of drugs concealed inside their sneakers, underwear, and private parts.”
The suspects are expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, March 31, where they will face charges related to drug trafficking.
Investigations remain ongoing as police work to determine the full scope of the operation, including whether the five suspects are linked to a larger syndicate operating across multiple countries.
Previously, The Star reported on a major narcotics crackdown in Derdepoort, where SAPS detectives seized scheduled medicines, steroids, and performance-enhancing drugs valued at around R15 million from a self-storage facility.
The operation followed earlier arrests of six suspects linked to the syndicate, with follow-up investigations uncovering an online platform used to distribute illicit substances. In a coordinated effort, police also apprehended a suspect in Wierdabrug with 83 grams of Methcathinone (CAT) concealed in his residence, highlighting the persistent reach of organised drug networks across the country.
The Star