A task team comprised of 10 South African intelligence agencies has been applauded for its stellar work in intercepting a consignment of drugs worth R4.7 million at the OR Tambo International Airport, in Johannesburg.
OR Tambo Int. Airport drug bust: Here’s everything we know
According to police spokesperson Colonel Athlenda, suspicion fell on a shipment of religious ornaments that arrived at the airport’s cargo base on Saturday 8 August.
OR Tambo has gained notoriety over the years as an access point used by international syndicates to ship illicit drugs into South Africa.
Therefore, it came as standard procedure for the airport’s multidisciplinary task team to perform an inspection on the ornaments that weighed more than 21kg.
Where did the drugs come from?
Inside, authorities stumbled on a large consignment of drugs. A closer look at the image provided by the police suggests the doughy substance found in the religious ornaments was a large stash of unrefined cocaine.
Although, the drug type has not yet been confirmed. Colonel Athlenda could only verify that “the drugs worth an estimated street value of R4.7 million.”
Furthermore, it was discovered that the shipment came from India. At this time, no further information on the tracing has been made available.
“While investigations continue, South African authorities have brought this matter to the attention of authorities in India and are working closely to establish who the import agents are and to establish the destination point in the country,” Athlenda noted.
What information is there on the suspects?
The police also confirmed that at this time, no arrests have been made. The hardest challenge faced by investigators is trying to figure out the intended recipient of this large consignment.
“No arrests have been made thus far and authorities are appealing to anyone whom many have information that could assist in this investigation to contact police,” the statement concluded.
If you have any information on this, contact the Crime Stop Hotline Number on 08600 10111. All information will be treated with the strictest of confidentiality.
