The largest consignment of cocaine ever brought into South Africa by a single courier was seized at Johannesburg International Airport on Monday.
Three people were arrested and 50kg of cocaine worth about R22-million was found in false compartments in two suitcases, police representative Superintendent Eugene Opperman said.
He said detectives from the SA Narcotics Bureau (Sanab) arrested the 33-year-old courier who brought the drug into the country on a flight from Sao Paulo, Brazil. It was believed that the drug was destined for Gauteng.
The 33-year-old courier was arrested when his luggage was searched after being retrieved from a conveyer belt. Several false compartments containing cocaine were found inside the two suitcases. The drug was also found inside false compartments in several leather portfolio holders inside a suitcase.
The other two people arrested were a 28-year-old woman and her 20-year-old brother who met the courier at the airport.
”This is a major breakthrough in our fight against illegal drugs in our country,” said North Rand assistant commissioner Joel Mokwena.
”There can be no doubt that Sanab at the airport has caused major disruptions within the drug trade in Gauteng, and perhaps even in the country. Many drug dealers are now crying their hearts out as we speak.”
The three will appear in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.
Nearly R45-million worth of cocaine was reportedly netted at Johannesburg International Airport last year. – Sapa