23-year-old woman arrested on drug dealing charges at OR Tambo

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

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.

Lieutenant Colonel Vincent Mukhathi says 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.”

#sapsHQ [SAPS ARRESTS SOUTH AFRICAN DRUG MULE FOR ALLEGED DRUG TRAFFICKING AT OR TAMBO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT] The #SAPS has intercepted and arrested a 23yr-old South African woman on charges of dealing in drugs at OR Tambo International Airport on Friday, 26/06.

The suspect was… pic.twitter.com/sJGRlEPGA4

— SA Police Service (@SAPoliceService) June 28, 2026