The South African Police Service (SAPS) has arrested a 52-year-old South African man after allegedly finding suspected heroin worth more than R2 million in his luggage at OR Tambo International Airport.

The arrest followed an intelligence-led operation on Sunday, September 20, 2026, shortly after the suspect arrived on a flight from Accra, Ghana.

SAPS said a search of his luggage uncovered bullet-like objects and blocks containing substances suspected to be heroin.

The drugs have an estimated street value of more than R2 million, equivalent to about GH¢1.4 million.

The arrest brings to three the number of suspected drug mules arrested at OR Tambo International Airport in the past three weeks.

The suspect is expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court later this week to face drug trafficking-related charges.

Investigations are continuing to establish the source of the suspected drugs and whether the suspect was part of a wider trafficking network.

In a statement posted on Facebook, SAPS said it would continue to intensify intelligence-led and targeted operations to dismantle drug trafficking syndicates.

“The suspect is expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court later this week to face drug trafficking-related charges, while investigations remain ongoing,” SAPS said.