Police have intercepted a cocaine smuggling attempt at Cape Town International Airport on Sunday when a Brazilian woman was caught carrying drugs both in her sports bag and concealed in her body.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Siyabulela Vukubi said that the suspect arrived on a flight from Brazil on March 16 when she was identified and searched.
“South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau (SANEB) members, along with the Border Police at Cape Town International Airport, followed up on the information. The suspect was identified and upon searching, cocaine was found hidden inside a sports bag,” said Vukubi.
Further investigation revealed that the woman had also ingested an unknown quantity of drug pellets.
“She is currently in hospital in an attempt to remove the swallowed drugs,” Vukubi confirmed.
Western Cape Hawks head Major General Mathipa Makgato praised the operation, stating that the team demonstrated great vigilance in intercepting the suspect before the drugs could enter circulation.
The woman is expected to appear before the Bellville Magistrate’s Court on March 18 on drug trafficking charges.
The Hawks commended the collaborative efforts of SANEB, Border Police, Customs, Home Affairs, and forensic experts in securing the arrest.
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