Police arrest South African arriving from Accra with suspected heroin worth over GH¢1.4m

A 52-year-old South African man was apprehended at OR Tambo International Airport on September 20, 2026, amid a suspected heroin smuggling attempt. The South African Police Service (SAPS), assisted by the Border Management Authority (BMA), carried out an intelligence-led operation that led to his arrest. The suspect, who had just landed from Accra, was intercepted at the airport.

Upon a search of his luggage, police found what appeared to be bullet-like objects and blocks containing substances suspected to be heroin. These substances are estimated to have a street value of over R2 million, which is roughly equivalent to over GH¢1.4 million or $120,000.

The suspect's case adds to a recent trend of drug mule arrests at OR Tambo International Airport. According to SAPS, this is the third arrest of suspected drug mules at the airport within the past three weeks. The individual is set to appear before Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court to face charges related to drug trafficking. Investigations are ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding the suspected drugs and to determine if the suspect is linked to a larger drug trafficking network.

SAPS has vowed to intensify targeted intelligence-led operations to disrupt drug trafficking syndicates and prevent the illicit movement of drugs through the country's entry points.