A 55-year-old Nigerian man has been arrested by the South African Police Service (SAPS) for suspected drug trafficking after arriving at OR Tambo International Airport from São Paulo, Brazil.
According to SAPS spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Amanda Van Wyk, the suspect was taken into custody on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, after authorities discovered that he had allegedly swallowed cocaine pellets with an estimated street value of R7.5 million.
"The suspect had just landed from São Paulo, Brazil, when he was intercepted by police. A medical x-ray revealed that he had ingested multiple objects suspected to be pellets containing cocaine," Van Wyk stated.
She further confirmed that the suspect is still expelling the drug pellets as investigations continue.
The accused is expected to be arraigned soon at the Kempton Park Magistrates' Court.
