Brazilian drug mule arrested at OR-Tambo International Airport for possession of 4kg cocaine concealed in a body wrap

Brazilian National, Risclif Tadue Ramos (36), appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrates Court on Monday, 22 July 2024, after he attempted to smuggle a consignment of 4kg cocaine concealed in a body wrap.

Members from East Rand based Hawks’ Organised Crime Investigation operationalised intelligence received about a drug mule that was scheduled to land at the OR-Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) from Brazil on Friday afternoon. A multidisciplinary team approached the identified flight at the landing bay. The suspect was located. He had no checked-in luggage apart from what he was carrying.

He was taken to the ORTIA police station, and an interpreter was sourced after he indicated that he doesn’t understand English. He admitted to the officers through the interpreter that he was in possession of drugs. Ramos was subjected to a body search, which revealed about 4kg of cocaine wrapped around his body. He was immediately arrested and charged for contravening the Drugs and drug trafficking Act.

The Kempton Park Magistrate’s court has postponed the case to Tuesday, 30 July 2024, for a bail application.

The Gauteng Provincial Head of the Hawks, Major General Ebrahim Kadwa, has lauded the vigilance of law enforcement agencies and the intelligence acted upon. “We have acted to ensure that many methods that organised criminal groups employ to illegally import harmful illicit substances into the country are thwarted”. He said.