SAPS Arrest Five Women In Major Drug Bust At OR Tambo International Airport
Five South African women were arrested at OR Tambo International Airport after being found in possession of drugs valued at more than R5 million.
The arrests took place on Saturday, 28 March 2026, during a joint operation conducted by the South African Police Service (SAPS) and Airports Company South Africa (ACSA).
According to SAPS spokesperson Amanda van Wyk, the women were intercepted while preparing to board an international flight. Preliminary information indicates that the suspects were travelling to China via Dubai.
Authorities said a detailed search uncovered narcotics concealed in various ways, including inside the suspects’ sneakers, underwear, and internally on their bodies.
The five suspects are expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 31 March 2026, where they will face charges related to drug trafficking.
Police confirmed that investigations are ongoing as part of broader efforts to disrupt drug trafficking networks operating through South Africa’s key transport hubs.