Police seize drugs hidden in hairdresser doll head at airport

A 36-year-old woman was arrested at Bloemfontein's Bram Fischer International Airport on Saturday, 22 August 2026, after allegedly attempting to smuggle drugs concealed in the head of a hairdresser doll. The South African Police Service (SAPS) detected the suspicious material during a routine scan. The crime prevention team from the Visible Policing Unit responded to the alert at around 11:26 am and observed the woman about to board her flight to Johannesburg.

A hairdresser doll head belonging to the suspect was brought to the scene. Local Criminal Records Centre experts were called to investigate the scene. Upon opening the doll, authorities removed the hidden foam containing 232 stones of suspected rock drug or crack cocaine, with an estimated street value of R300 000. R93 220 in cash was also discovered during a subsequent body search.

The suspect was immediately taken into custody. Police have opened a docket for drug possession, along with an additional charge of money laundering, to be investigated by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI). The suspect is scheduled to appear in Bloemfontein Magistrate's Court soon.