Man arrested at OR Tambo Airport allegedly carrying heroin worth over R2 million

52-year-old man arrested at OR Tambo Airport in suspected heroin case.

A 52-year-old South African man has been arrested at OR Tambo International Airport after police seized substances suspected to be heroin with an estimated street value of more than R2 million .

The arrest was made on Sunday following an intelligence-led operation conducted by the South African Police Service (SAPS), with support from the Border Management Authority (BMA).

According to police spokesperson Lt Col Amanda van Wyk the suspect had just arrived on a flight from Accra, Ghana, when he was intercepted by police at the airport.

A search of his luggage allegedly uncovered bullet-like objects and blocks containing substances suspected to be heroin.

Police seized substances suspected to be heroin with an estimated street value of more than R2 million.

Van Wyk said the latest arrest brings to three the number of suspected drug mules arrested at OR Tambo International Airport over the past three weeks.

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

Investigations into the matter are continuing as authorities work to establish the wider network allegedly linked to the suspected drug trafficking operation.

SAPS said it would continue intensifying intelligence-led and targeted operations aimed at dismantling drug trafficking syndicates.