BLOEMFONTEIN – A routine security scan at Bram Fischer International Airport led to a major drug bust when police allegedly uncovered 232 stones suspected to be crack cocaine, worth an estimated R300 000, concealed inside a hairdresser’s mannequin head.

A 36-year-old woman was preparing to board a flight to Johannesburg on Saturday, 22 August, when an Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) supervisor alerted the Visible Policing Unit after suspicious material was detected by the airport’s scanning equipment at about 11:26.

Police responded immediately and were directed to the mannequin head, which was in the woman’s possession. The mannequin was opened and officers allegedly found the drugs concealed inside it among foam padding.

A total of 232 stones, suspected to be crack cocaine, were removed and counted in the presence of the suspect.

During a further search, police allegedly found R93 220 in cash on the woman. She was arrested and detained immediately.

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A case of possession of drugs, together with an additional charge of money laundering, was opened at Navalsig police station. The investigation has been handed over to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI).

The suspect is expected to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court.