South Africa: 52-year-old arrested with heroin worth over R2m after arriving from Accra

A 52-year-old South African national has been arrested at OR Tambo International Airport after police allegedly found heroin worth more than R2 million in his luggage following a flight from Accra, Ghana.

The arrest was made on Sunday, September 20, 2026, during an intelligence-led operation conducted by the South African Police Service (SAPS) with support from the Border Management Authority (BMA).

According to SAPS, the suspect had just arrived at the airport from Accra when he was intercepted by law enforcement officers.

A subsequent search of his luggage reportedly uncovered bullet-like objects and blocks containing substances suspected to be heroin.

The drugs are estimated to have a street value of more than R2 million, according to the police.

SAPS said the latest arrest brings to three the number of suspected drug mules arrested at OR Tambo International Airport within the past three weeks.

The police service described the operation as part of its ongoing efforts to disrupt organised drug-trafficking networks operating through the country’s ports of entry.

SAPS said it is continuing to intensify intelligence-led and targeted operations aimed at dismantling what it described as drug-trafficking syndicates.

“The latest arrest brings the total number of suspected drug mules arrested at this port of entry to three in the past three weeks,” SAPS said.

The suspect is expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court later this week to face drug-trafficking-related charges.

SAPS said investigations into the case are ongoing, including efforts to establish the broader network behind the suspected drug trafficking operation.

The police service also reiterated its commitment to working with other agencies, including the BMA, to strengthen efforts against the movement of illegal drugs through South Africa’s borders.

The arrest comes amid continued law-enforcement operations targeting the trafficking of narcotics through major international entry points.

SAPS urged continued partnership between law-enforcement agencies and communities as it pursues what it described as its efforts to keep illegal drugs off the streets.