Johannesburg – Five individuals were detained for drug trafficking and violations of the Civil Aviation Act and the Customs and Excise Act at OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA). This arrest, resulting from a coordinated operation by the Hawks yesterday morning, is part of a larger crackdown on drug trafficking.

According to South African Government News Agency, the operation was launched following the recent confiscation of a large drug consignment in Australia, where two suspects were arrested. The arrests at ORTIA were the outcome of an intelligence-driven operation by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation. It was revealed that the suspects, employees of various companies at ORTIA, allegedly facilitated the movement of drugs through the airport.

Two of the suspects are employees of Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), two from Menzies Aviation, and one from Swissport. These arrests represent a significant breakthrough in combating transnational drug trafficking activities linked to ORTIA. The suspects are scheduled to appear in the Kempton Park Magistrates court on Friday.

This operation marks the first of its kind where a drug seizure abroad has been directly linked to suspects in South Africa, showcasing the international scope of drug trafficking operations. Major General Ebrahim Kadwa, the Provincial Head of the Hawks in Gauteng, commended the joint investigation team’s efforts in eliminating individuals compromising the integrity of ORTIA and tarnishing South Africa’s reputation.

Major General Kadwa emphasized the Hawks’ commitment to combating drug trafficking. He issued a stern warning against corrupt officials within such companies, urging them to refrain from participating in or facilitating illicit activities.