Law enforcement authorities at OR Tambo International Airport in South Africa intercepted a significant cocaine shipment with an estimated street value of R1.5 million.
A decoy? – Courier company helps in OR Tambo R1.5m cocaine bust
The Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation (SOCI) team, stationed in Germiston, was alerted to the suspected drug package on Wednesday, 5 July 2023.
The discovery was made by a courier company, who reported finding 11 bags weighing 25 kg each, believed to contain illicit substances.
The suspicious bags, wrapped in visible plastic, were concealed within a brown container disguised as spare parts.
Prompt action was taken to secure the suspected drugs, which were subsequently transferred to the forensic laboratory for further analysis.
As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with the intercepted drug shipment, and the investigation remains ongoing.
The Hawks’ Provincial Head in Gauteng, Major General Ebrahim Kadwa, commended the vigilance of the courier company and emphasised the importance of collaboration between the private sector and law enforcement agencies.
How drug cartels use decoys to smuggle drugs into a country
Drug cartels employ various tactics, including the use of decoys, to smuggle drugs into a country.
Decoys serve as distractions or cover-ups to divert attention away from illicit activities and facilitate the movement of drugs across borders. Here are some common methods used by drug cartels:
Concealment in legitimate shipments
Cartels may hide drugs within legal cargo, such as commercial goods or legitimate merchandise. They carefully package drugs alongside lawful products to make detection difficult.
By blending illicit substances with legal shipments, they aim to bypass scrutiny and exploit the existing transportation infrastructure.
Body carries or swallowers
Individuals acting as “mules” or couriers may swallow drug-filled capsules or conceal narcotics within their body cavities.
These couriers are often used to transport smaller quantities of drugs across borders, relying on their ability to evade detection through X-ray scanners or drug-sniffing dogs.
They may pose as innocent travellers or engage in various tactics to avoid suspicion.
False compartments in vehicles
Drug traffickers modify vehicles, particularly cars or trucks, by creating hidden compartments where drugs can be concealed. These compartments may be integrated into the structure of the vehicle, such as within the walls, floor, or spare tires.
By using sophisticated engineering, drug cartels aim to outsmart law enforcement and border control authorities during vehicle inspections.
Narcotics within perishable goods
Cartels may exploit perishable goods, such as fruits, vegetables, or frozen products, by injecting or coating them with drugs. The perishable nature of these goods can create time pressure for authorities, potentially reducing inspection efforts and allowing the drugs to pass through undetected.
Misdirection and diversion
Cartels may create diversions or decoy shipments to redirect law enforcement resources and attention away from their actual drug shipments.
By intentionally drawing focus to one area or method of smuggling, they can exploit vulnerabilities elsewhere. For example, they may orchestrate a high-profile seizure or create a false lead to divert attention from a larger drug shipment.
Technology and innovation
Drug cartels continuously adapt to technological advancements to develop new methods of drug smuggling. This can include the use of drones, tunnels, submarines, or other innovative techniques to transport drugs across borders. By utilising cutting-edge technology, they aim to stay one step ahead of law enforcement efforts.