South African authorities have arrested 14 drug mules at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg in the past two weeks alone in a worrying development highlighting the country’s growing reputation as a hub for drug trafficking,
The latest arrest occurred on Sunday when a Paraguayan national, arriving from Brazil, was detained after being found with approximately 20 bullets of cocaine.
The incident followed closely on the heels of another significant arrest just a week prior when a South African woman, also travelling from Brazil, was apprehended with 110 drug bullets – the largest quantity seized in eight years, according to the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Both individuals were reportedly profiled before their flights and were arrested upon arrival in South Africa, raising concerns about how many others may have slipped through the cracks.
This alarming trend raises questions about the country’s role in the continent’s drug trade and the effectiveness of border control measures.
The surge in arrests has sparked speculation about whether South Africa is becoming a hotspot for drug cartels or if this issue has been ongoing, with enforcement agencies only now ramping up their efforts.
The past week alone saw the arrest of two Dutch traffickers who attempted to travel with 80kg of khat – a stimulant plant – from South Africa to the Netherlands via Dubai.
JN/APA