Nigerian national with cocaine bullets worth R7.5 million in his stomach, arrested at OR Tambo airport

The South African Police Service (SAPS) arrested a 55-year-old Nigerian national suspected of drug trafficking shortly after landing at OR Tambo International Airport from São Paulo, Brazil.

SAPS spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel, Amanda Van Wyk said the man was arrested on Tuesday at the busy airport after he was allegedly found to have swallowed cocaine with an estimated street value of R7.5 million.

"The suspect had just landed from Saõ Paulo, Brazil when he was intercepted by police. A medical x-ray revealed that the mule had swallowed multiple objects suspected to be bullets containing cocaine," said Van Wyk.

She added that the suspect is still releasing the bullets.

He is expected to appear in the Kempton Park Magistrates' Court soon.

His arrest comes days after police arrested two South African drug traffickers who also landed at the airport from São Paulo, Brazil.

Van Wyk said the due was allegedly found in possession of cocaine with an estimated street value of R7.5 million.

"The pair, a male and a female arrived separately on different flights from Brazil when they were intercepted by police. Upon inspection, the female suspect was allegedly found in possession of cocaine worth R2.5 million, while the male suspect was allegedly carrying R5 million worth of cocaine in his luggage," she said.

In another similar operation, in December, two Brazilian drug traffickers aged 30 and 35 were arrested shortly after landing from São Paulo.

"One of these traffickers was found in possession of over 4kg of cocaine in his luggage while a medical x-ray confirmed the presence of drug bullets swallowed by the other drug mule, " van Wyk said at the time.

At least 15 "bullets" containing cocaine were released.

sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za

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