close
Friday, September 4, 2026

South African arrested with drugs at airport en route to China

The man was arrested while attempting to travel to Hong Kong with suspected cocaine concealed in his luggage.

• September 4, 2026
Cocaine in luggage
Cocaine in luggage

A 54-year-old South African man has been arrested at the OR Tambo International Airport while allegedly attempting to travel to Hong  Kong with concealed drugs suspected to be cocaine.

Police intercepted the suspect on Thursday following an operation related to his trip to China.

Police discovered the suspected drugs during a search of the suspect and his luggage, where the substances were concealed.

However, authorities did not disclose the exact weight and value of the seized drugs, stating that details will be released in due course.

The suspect is expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on Friday to face drug trafficking-related charges.

Amanda Van Wyk, the national police spokesperson, said that the recent seizures are part of efforts to disrupt an organised drug trafficking syndicate operating through the airport.

She said authorities will continue their operational intelligence-led interventions to prevent perpetrators from trafficking drugs into the country’s ports.

Last week, police seized two separate cocaine consignments worth about R100 million at the same airport.

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

crash

States

Six killed in Adamawa road crash: Police

The command’s spokesperson, Suleiman Nguroje, said the victims were confirmed dead at the hospital.

Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON)

NationWide

BPP, DICON partner to boost local defence production

The partnership is expected to boost domestic defence investments, strengthen local military manufacturing, and promote national self-reliance.

one-day trainin

Economy

Kaduna govt trains revenue officers on new tax reforms

Mr Bature urged participants to pay close attention to the presentations and ensure the knowledge gained translates into improved practices in their respective local governments.

Image used to illustrate the story

Hot news Home top

FG opens applications for N2.5 billion grant to 50 student innovators

The initiative, also known as the “Next Moonshot Initiative,” would provide equity-free funding to student entrepreneurs with STEM-based business ideas.

Tate brothers

Heading 5

Romania indicts Tate brothers on trafficking charges

While Andrew was indicted for trafficking minors, money laundering, sex with a minor and witness tampering, Tristan was indicted for complicity.

Rescue team searching the waters off Northern Cyprus

World

Death toll in Northern Cyprus boat mishap rises to 12

“With the recovery of these two remains, the number of our citizens who lost their lives in the accident has risen to 12,” Turkish Cypriot Prime Minister Unal Ustel said.