R6m worth of cocaine disguised as hair products seized at OR Tambo Airport

Police officers and customs officials have intercepted a significant drug shipment and seized cocaine worth an estimated R6 million at the OR Tambo International Airport on Tuesday.

Police spokesperson Colonel Amanda van Wyk said investigations are ongoing.

“Preliminary investigations indicate the shipment was en route from São Paulo, Brazil, to France via South Africa when it was detected and seized. The cocaine was concealed in boxes disguised as hair products,” said Van Wyk.

Drug mule

In a separate incident on the same day, police arrested a 55-year-old Nigerian national for drug trafficking.

Van Wyk said the suspect had arrived on a flight from São Paulo, Brazil, when he was intercepted.

“A medical examination later confirmed that he had ingested ‘bullets’ believed to contain cocaine,” said Van Wyk. Bullets are containers that are used to store cocaine.

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Drug lab

Meanwhile, Gauteng police estimate that a drug lab uncovered in Westonaria generated millions over three years.

Police raided the farm on Thursday morning, where they found high-tech machinery, contraband and chemicals used to manufacture mandrax.

Police believe the operation’s value, including profits, operating costs, and machinery, is about R280 million.

Cocktail of drugs

On Wednesday, Gauteng police seized a cocktail of drugs in Pretoria.

It is understood that a team of detectives from the Saps National Organised Crime Investigation Narcotics Unit discovered a significant quantity of scheduled medicine, steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) at a self-storage facility in Derdepoort, Pretoria, on Wednesday.

Van Wyk said the estimated street value of the confiscated substances is R15 million.

Drug syndicate

Last month, police uncovered a drug syndicate, leading to the arrest of six suspects in Pretoria.

“Charges against two of the suspects have been provisionally withdrawn. Follow-up investigations into this syndicate’s activities led the team to the identified storage facility.

“Preliminary investigations indicate that the syndicate was operating an online platform to trade and distribute scheduled medicine, steroids, stimulants, and other illicit substances to consumers,” Van Wyk said

Investigations are ongoing.

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