South Africa
Elderly man arrested at OR Tambo allegedly attempting to smuggle drugs─── 07:53 Thu, 13 Oct 2022
An intelligence-driven operation has resulted in the arrest of a 69-year-old suspect at the OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) on Wednesday afternoon for allegedly attempting to smuggle drugs to India.
According to Lt Col Robert Netshiunda, the Counter Narcotics Intelligence Head Office, Organised Crime Narcotics Head Office and K9 Unit West Rand operationalised intelligence information and intercepted the suspect as he attempted to board a flight destined for India.
The elderly man was found in possession of 8 kilograms of pure heroin with a street value of R1.2 million concealed in his travelling bag.
The suspect will appear before the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on Friday, on charges of possession and dealing in drugs.
In August 2022, a 72-year-old woman from Zastron in the Free State, was arrested for the possession of drugs, bank cards, and multiple identity documents (IDs).
ALSO READ: Elderly woman arrested with drugs, IDs, bank cards
The Free State Police’s spokesperson, Peter Kareli, explained that the arrest of the 72-year-old comes after the Anti-Gang Unit’s members - while on crime prevention patrol duties in Matlakeng, Zastron - received information about a woman selling drugs. Upon arrival at the house, the police found and arrested the suspect.
