Paraguayan Woman Arrested at OR Tambo With Cocaine Pellets

A 43-year-old woman from Paraguay was arrested on Friday, December 6, 2024, at OR Tambo International Airport after authorities discovered she had ingested 33 cocaine-filled pellets. The arrest is part of a series of recent drug trafficking cases intercepted at the airport, signalling a troubling rise in narcotics smuggling attempts.

Fourth Drug Trafficking Arrest in OR Tambo

The suspect had arrived in South Africa on a flight from São Paulo, Brazil. Upon her detention, she was taken to a local hospital where X-rays confirmed the presence of foreign objects in her stomach. Authorities revealed she later expelled 33 pellets containing cocaine.

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This incident marks the fourth drug-related arrest at OR Tambo International Airport in just two weeks. On December 3, 2024, a 21-year-old Brazilian man was detained upon arrival from São Paulo. Medical examinations showed he had ingested multiple cocaine-filled pellets.

On November 28, a 44-year-old Brazilian woman was apprehended with cocaine wrapped around her upper body. Just a few days earlier, on November 24, a 25-year-old Brazilian man was caught with over three kilograms of cocaine, valued at approximately R1.8 million, strapped to his body.

Authorities Call for Vigilance

In a statement, airport officials emphasised the growing trend of drug mules attempting to smuggle narcotics into South Africa via OR Tambo. The arrests form part of heightened efforts by law enforcement to tackle international drug trafficking.

In October, three individuals, including two Dutch nationals, were detained with 80 kilograms of khat. On the same day, a 43-year-old Paraguayan man arriving from São Paulo was also arrested.

Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to combating drug smuggling and urged the public to report any suspicious activity.

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