Police at OR Tambo International Airport have arrested four drug traffickers in three days, intercepting narcotics worth more than R9.3 million.

The latest arrests took place on Tuesday evening 27 April, when members acting on information intercepted a Somali national (66) in possession of a Netherlands passport. The suspect was reportedly planning to travel to Frankfurt and London via Doha.

A search of the luggage led to the discovery of 55kg of khat with an estimated street value of more than R100 000.

On the same day, police discovered abandoned luggage at the airport containing approximately 45kg of khat valued at more than R90 000.

The arrests follow three earlier incidents over the weekend.

On 26 April, a Brazilian national (26) was apprehended upon arrival from Brazil after police discovered multiple blocks of cocaine with an estimated street value of R8.7 million concealed in luggage.

The following day, a Netherlands national was intercepted as he prepared to board a flight to London. An inspection revealed 60kg of khat concealed inside his luggage.

In a separate incident on 25 April, a South African woman (33) was arrested en route to Hong Kong. Police discovered drugs worth more than R500 000, suspected to be cocaine and crystal methamphetamine, concealed inside her luggage.

The arrests demonstrate ongoing operations by the South African Police Service working with Airport Company South Africa security, Border Management Authority officials and South African Revenue Service customs.

All suspects are expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court this week on charges related to drug trafficking.

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