The recent spate of drug mule arrests at OR Tambo International Airport has reignited debate about South Africa's role as a key transit point for international drug syndicates.
The 14 arrests over a four-month period since August, including one arrested at the weekend, suggest a coordinated operation to move illicit substances through one of Africa's busiest airports, OR Tambo International, said Institute for Security Studies (ISS) crime expert Willem Els.
"Drug trafficking is one of the most visible transnational organised crimes perpetrated by international organised criminal groups," he said.
"The organised crime syndicates facilitating these activities are feeding off each other. If one syndicate moves in, others follow, creating a criminal environment."
Police spokesperson Amanda van Wyk said the 43-year-old female was arrested on arrival at the airport.
"The drug mule was taken to a local hospital where a medical X-ray revealed the presence of foreign objects in her stomach," she said.
Denne historien er fra December 09, 2024-utgaven av The Citizen.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra December 09, 2024-utgaven av The Citizen.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Plenty on the line in Tests
With so much on the line in the Test series starting on Thursday, the Proteas can be forgiven for losing to Pakistan in the ODI series last week, but only if they deliver in the five-day campaign.
BUCS TO BOUNCE BACK?
PREMIERSHIP: RIVEIRO LOOKS TO PIRATES TO GET BACK TO WINNING WAYS
'Beaten Proteas can fight for title'
Despite falling in a 3-0 defeat to Pakistan in their ODI series which concluded on Sunday, Proteas white-ball coach Rob Walter remains confident his squad can put up a fight for the title at next year's Champions Trophy tournament.
'Joshua bout only fight left for Fury'
Tyson Fury has been told the \"only fight\" left for him after his points decision defeat in a world heavyweight boxing title bout with champion Oleksandr Usyk is an all-British clash against Anthony Joshua.
Sharks brace for Stormers
Sharks head coach John Plumtree (above) said the Stormers will target the same three areas the Bulls did in their United Rugby Championship (URC) game at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.
Jacobs gets Black Caps call-up
Hard-hitting New Zealand batsman Bevon Jacobs earned a maiden call-up yesterday for their T20 series against Sri Lanka, which marks the start of Mitchell Santner's tenure as white-ball captain.
Coach change was a subtle one
LUNGA: COMMUNICATION THE KEY WHEN THIS HAPPENS
Amorim: Utd we 'nervous'
Manchester - Manchester United crashed to a humiliating 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth on Sunday as Ruben Amorim (above) admitted his \"nervous\" team would have to \"suffer\" before they can get back on track.
Enzo happy despite losing ground
Liverpool manager Enzo Maresca insisted he was \"absolutely happy\" despite his side losing ground in the Premier League title race following a goalless draw away to Everton on Sunday.
Liverpool need to keep pushing
SLOT: TABLE-TOPPING REDS MUST KEEP FOOT ON THE GAS
