Johannesburg – A Brazilian drug smuggler was detained at OR Tambo International Airport on Tuesday after being discovered expelling pellets filled with illegal substances.

The 21-year-old individual, who had ingested the pellets, arrived on a flight from São Paulo, Brazil, shortly after 12:20 PM.

As stated by SA Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, the arrest came about following intelligence received by law enforcement officials.

“The drug smuggler was transferred to a nearby hospital where a medical x-ray confirmed the existence of foreign objects in his stomach,” Brigadier Mathe said.

“The procedure to extract these foreign objects has commenced, and SAPS can confirm that plastic-wrapped cocaine ‘bullets’ are being expelled by the suspect.”

Brigadier Mathe also remarked: “He is set to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on charges of drug possession and trafficking before the week ends.”

Brigadier Mathe highlighted that police at OR Tambo International Airport are staying vigilant as they enhance their efforts for safer festive operations.

She stressed that the SAPS “Safer Festive Season Operations” are fully operational across the country, ensuring that criminals in all regions are feeling the heat.

The apprehension of the suspected drug smuggler marks the second incident of this nature within just a few days.

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