The South African Police Service confirmed the arrest of yet another drug mule at OR Tambo International Airport yesterday. The police said the 55-year-old Nigerian drug mule had just landed from Saõ Paulo, Brazil, when he was intercepted.

EXPOSED BY X-RAY 

SAPS spokesperson Colonel Amanda van Wyk said the suspect faces charges of drug trafficking. "A medical x-ray revealed that the mule had swallowed multiple objects suspected to be bullets containing cocaine," Van Wyk said. She added that the suspect, who is still releasing bullets, is expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrates Court this week.

AN ONGOING TREND

Just last month, police arrested two South African drug mules and seized cocaine with an estimated street value of R7.5 million at the same airport. The pair, a man and a woman, are said to have landed on different flights from Brazil when police intercepted them. Van Wyk noted that upon inspection, the female suspect was found in possession of cocaine worth R2.5 million, while the male suspect was carrying R5 million worth of cocaine in his luggage. "They were subsequently arrested and will face charges related to drug trafficking, and investigations are ongoing. OR Tambo International Airport police continue to sniff out drug traffickers as they land, sending out a strong message that SA is not a playground for drug peddlers.