Alleged tik smuggler nabbed at airport

A ZIMBABWEAN woman is in custody after being arrested at OR Tambo International Airport for allegedly trying to bring drugs worth over R8 million into the country.

Luther Lebelo of the SA Revenue Service said customs officials’ suspicions were aroused when the woman’s bag was scanned on Tuesday.

It was found that the weight of the bag didn’t correspond with its contents.

“The lady said she had a few things inside, but it was heavy. It was scanned and the officials saw a few items. However, the weight did not match the items,” Lebelo pointed out.

“They opened it and scanned it inside. They detected a concentrated matter and a strong scent of glue.

“However, glue wasn’t even one of the items inside the bag. The officer then cut the lining of the bag and found (the drug) tik.”

He said the tik was at the bottom of the bag hidden in the lining.

As it was not known then what it was, it was quickly taken to a laboratory for tests and it was confirmed to be tik. The woman was then arrested.

Lebelo said the bust was the second seizure of tik at the airport in two consecutive days.

Police spokesman Lieutenant-General Solomon Makgale said the woman was from India. She was travelling via Dubai on an Emirates flight with a Zimbabwean passport.

He said the woman was charged with possession of and dealing in drugs.

She was due to appear in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court yesterday.