SOUTH AFRICA: Drugs Impounded At Tambo International Airport

There’s been another major drug bust at OR Tambo International Airport.

This time Sars customs officials have intercepted cocaine worth over R2 million.

Authorities say they discovered eight laptop bags with hidden compartments inside a passenger’s luggage on Tuesday.

The powdery substance found inside later tested positive for cocaine.

The revenue service’s Sandile Memela says a woman travelling from Brazil to Mozambique, who initially denied owning the package, has been arrested.

“Sars customs officials and the Detective Dog Unit intercepted 9.16kg of cocaine and the suspect and the goods have been handed over to the police for further investigation.”

SOUTH AFRICA: Tourist From OR Tambo International Airport Robbed Of US $ 2,000 Near Guest House At Kempton Park

A tourist coming from OR Tambo International Airport was robbed of US$2 000 (about R26 800) outside a guesthouse in Edleen, Kempton Park, on the East Rand.

The tourist was allegedly followed from the airport to the Edleen guesthouse by four armed men, who pounced on him and the driver of the private taxi on Monday, Kempton Express reported.

The incident took place at about 7.30pm. The men were allegedly driving an old BMW 3 Series, dark or black in colour.

“The taxi had just arrived outside the guesthouse when the four men ran to the car and hit the driver of the taxi,” said the owner of the guesthouse.

When the manager of the guesthouse ran outside to help, one of the men pointed a firearm at him and told him to go back inside or he would shoot him.

“They then proceeded to take the tourist’s luggage and made off with his US$2 000.”

Although not badly injured, the driver of the taxi was left traumatised and was still shaking an hour after the incident, the owner confirmed.

The tourist’s son had been following his father in a separate vehicle, but he was not harmed or robbed.

One of the men was allegedly carrying a big gun, “like an AK-47 maybe”, the owner said.

Norkem Park police spokesperson Captain Lesibana Molokomme confirmed that an armed robbery case was being investigated.

SOUTH AFRICA: Police Seize Cocaine Valued At R50m At Tambo International Airport

Authorities discovered the drugs on Friday in the cargo section hidden in 147 hair product bottles.

Police have seized 143 kilograms of cocaine with an estimated value of R50 million at the OR Tambo International Airport.

Authorities discovered the drugs on Friday in the cargo section hidden in 147 hair product bottles.

The parcel arrived from Brazil and was in transit to Cotonou in Benin.

Police say this is one of their largest drug busts.

Spokesperson Vishnu Naidoo says no arrests have been made.

“We’re constantly employing our measures we have in place to ensure drugs pumping through our airports destined for South Africa or neighbouring countries don’t get onto the streets.”