Ghanaian National Detained for Alleged Drug Trafficking at OR Tambo Airport

Johannesburg – A 48-year-old individual from Ghana has been taken into custody at OR Tambo International Airport on allegations of drug trafficking.

Warrant Officer Thatohatsi Mavimbela, a spokesperson, reported that the suspect was arrested on Tuesday, 24 June 2025, by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation (SOCI) for breaching the Drug and Drug Trafficking Act, Act 140 of 1992.

The apprehension took place during a joint operation involving the Serious Organised Crime unit from Pretoria, the SAPS Flying Squad, the K9 Dog unit, the Transnational Organised Crime unit, and the Airports Crime Prevention Officers.

Warrant Officer Mavimbela detailed that law enforcement acted on intelligence regarding an individual transporting narcotics to Ghana.

“Officers successfully identified the suspect upon arrival at the airport,” stated Warrant Officer Mavimbela.

“With consent to search the luggage, roughly 2kg of suspected heroin was discovered hidden within the suspect’s bags.”

The individual was then arrested.

The suspect is set to appear in court at the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 26 June 2025.

Major General Ebrahim Kadwa, the Gauteng Provincial Head of the Hawks, commended the multidisciplinary team for their dedication in capturing the suspect and urged the public to report any drug-related activities to the authorities.