Brazilian drug mule found in possession of cocaine worth R1.9 million

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Another Brazilian drug mule found in possession of R1.9 million of cocaine was arrested at the OR Tambo International Airport on Thursday.

According to the police, the 44-year-old female had just landed from Sao Paulo at 13:00.

The drug trafficker was intercepted by SAPS intelligence and found with cocaine wrapped around her upper body, police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed. 

Mathe said she faces a charge of drug trafficking and will appear before the Kempton Park Magistrate soon. 

“This is the second drug trafficker to be arrested with cocaine wrapped around their upper torso this week. On Sunday, another Brazilian male drug trafficker was arrested and found in possession of R1.8 million of cocaine. 

“OR Tambo International Airport police continue to sniff out drug traffickers as they land sending out a strong message that SA is not a playground for drug peddlers,” she added.

Meanwhile, Worcester regional court sentenced Lindikhaya Lucius Dyantyi, 38, on two separate matters of dealing in drugs after pleading guilty.

This comes after the Hawks’ South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau (SANEB), received information about a grey Land Rover Discovery that was en route to Cape Town on 6 December 2022.

Western Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Zinzi Hani, said the vehicle was spotted and requested to pull over.

Cocaine discovered in a compartment

“SAPS K9 unit was present and the dog reacted positive on possible drugs. A hidden compartment was found in the boot area of the vehicle containing 70 packets (70 000) mandrax tablets.

“While, on 16 February 2023 information was received regarding a Silver Chevrolet utility bakkie that was en route from Gauteng to Cape Town transporting mandrax tablets.

“The team was activated and covered all routes towards Cape Town. The vehicle was intercepted at Moorreesburg.

“The vehicle was searched, and 13 packets (13 000) mandrax tablets were found hidden in a false compartment in the vehicle. The driver was previously arrested on the matter of 6 December 2022 with 70 000 mandrax,” she explained.

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Hani stated that Dyantyi was sentenced for dealing in drugs and slapped with two hundred thousand rand or four years imprisonment whereby two years imprisonment or one hundred thousand rand was suspended for five years.

She added; “Furthermore, Dyantyi received a sentence of one hundred thousand rand or two years imprisonment of which one year imprisonment or fifty thousand rand was suspended for five years. 

“The accused is to pay a fine of R150 000.00 in total or to serve three years direct imprisonment. Additionally, the accused was declared unfit to possess a firearm.”