Latest news with #Khat
The South African
13-06-2025
- The South African
Police clamping down on drug mules at OR Tambo
Last night, the South African Police Service reported that three alleged drug mules were arrested at OR Tambo International Airport in one week. Two of the arrests took place on 10 June 2025. In the first arrest, SAPS intercepted a 30-year-old Brazilian national who had landed from São Paulo. She confessed that she had ingested more than 100 cocaine-filled bullets. 'Later the same day, police intercepted a 57-year-old Ethiopian national at the airport's check-in counter before he could board a flight out of the country. A search of the suspect's luggage uncovered over 90 kilograms of Khat,' said police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk. On 5 June 2025, a 42-year-old Nigerian national was arrested on charges of drug trafficking upon arrival at the airport. He had travelled from São Paulo and was en route to Nigeria. 'The drug trafficker landed at 07:00 when he was intercepted by police officers at the airport. A medical x-ray confirmed that he had ingested more than 70 drug bullets suspected to contain cocaine,' said van Wyk. All three suspects are due to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrates' Court on charges of drug trafficking. Last month, The South African brought you the story of a 39-year-old Brazilian national who was found in possession of R 1,4 million worth of cocaine wrapped around his legs. He too was intercepted at OR Tambo after travelling from São Paulo. He told police he was in transit to Benin. At the time, police reported that they were intensifying their efforts to clamp down on the illicit trade of drugs and they had made significant arrests. 'SAPS has intercepted more than 23 drug traffickers at this port of entry in the past six months,' concluded van Wyk. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
13-06-2025
- The Citizen
Three arrested in one week for drug trafficking at OR Tambo Airport
A Nigerian, Brazilian and Ethiopian national were arrested for drug trafficking at the airport. Gauteng police have arrested three more suspects for drug trafficking at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg in just one week. On June 5, 2025, a 42-year-old Nigerian national was arrested on arrival from São Paulo, en route to Nigeria. Drug traffickers Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk said the drug trafficker landed at 7am when he was intercepted by police officers at the airport. 'A medical x-ray confirmed that he had ingested more than 70 drug 'bullets' suspected to contain cocaine'. Van Wyk on June 10, 2025, police officers intercepted a second drug trafficker shortly after she landed at 06:15am from São Paulo. 'During an inspection of the 30-year-old Brazilian national's luggage she indicated she had ingested more than 100 cocaine-filled 'bullets' which was later confirmed by a medical x-ray'. Picture: Saps ALSO READ: Police arrest Nigerian drug mule at OR Tambo International Airport Ethiopian Later the same day, police intercepted a 57-year-old Ethiopian national at the airport's check-in counter before he could board a flight out of the country. Van Wyk said a search of the suspect's luggage uncovered more than 90 kilograms of Khat. 'All three suspects were arrested and expected to appear in the Kempton Park Magistrates' Court on charges of drug trafficking'. Van Wyk added that through targeted intelligence-driven operations, Saps has intercepted more than 23 drug traffickers at OR Tambo International Airport in the past six months. Picture: Saps Brazilian Last month, a Brazilian national was arrested after being caught with cocaine worth an estimated street value of R1.4 million strapped to his legs. The 39-year-old man was handcuffed by officers at OR Tambo International Airport after arriving from São Paulo. Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the drug mule was in transit to Benin when he was intercepted by officers at the airport. 'He was pulled aside and during a body search, cocaine was found wrapped around his legs. He has been arrested and is expected to appear in the Kempton Park Magistrate's Court on a charge of drug trafficking'. Picture: Saps 'SA key transit point for drugs' The recent spate of drug mule arrests at OR Tambo International Airport reignited debate about South Africa's role as a key transit point for international drug syndicates. In December 2024, the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) crime expert Willem Els told The Citizen that drug trafficking is one of the most visible transnational organised crimes perpetrated by international organised criminal groups. 'The organised crime syndicates facilitating these activities are feeding off each other. If one syndicate moves in, others follow, creating a criminal environment.' Why OR Tambo International Airport? Els outlined how South Africa, and specifically OR Tambo International Airport, had become a key transit point for cocaine, particularly on its only direct flight from São Paulo to Johannesburg. 'This route explains why more individuals arrested come from South America and Brazil, specifically. It's lucrative and has been exploited for a long time by drug couriers. 'In recent months, there's been excellent cooperation between the Brazilian federal police and the South African police, which has contributed to many successes along that route,' Els said. ALSO READ: Gauteng man arrested for transporting crystal meth worth R50m
Cision Canada
28-05-2025
- Cision Canada
CBSA seizes 1.73 kg of fentanyl and 59.73 kg of other narcotics during export-focused Operation Blizzard Français
OTTAWA, ON, May 28, 2025 /CNW/ - The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) plays an important role in keeping fentanyl, its precursors and other dangerous drugs off our streets. Today, the CBSA shared the results of Operation Blizzard. Launched as part of Canada's Border Plan, Operation Blizzard was a month-long (February 12 th to March 13 th), cross-country surge operation to intercept fentanyl and other illegal drugs in postal, air cargo and marine containers. During the operation, border services officers examined shipments, with a special focus on mail, air freight and sea containers going to the United States. They acted on increased referrals from CBSA's National Targeting Centre based on risk assessments. In total, the CBSA executed over 2,600 seizures of suspected narcotics and precursors across the country. 67.5% of all seizures made were of illegal narcotics coming to Canada from the United States, while 17.5% were of narcotics going to the United States. These included: 116 fentanyl seizures (1.73 kg), intercepted in British Columbia, Québec and Alberta. Of these seizures, 1.44 kg were on route to the United States and 0.26 kg were destined to other countries 17 meth seizures (5.38 kg and 89 pills) 24 cocaine seizures (13 kg) 26 heroin seizures (0.19 kg) 17 opium seizures (38.84 kg and 11 bottles) 48 MDMA seizures (2.32 kg and 82 pills) 249 cannabis and cannabis related product seizures During this same period, the CBSA shared details about other notable seizures of illegal narcotics: 400 litres of 1,4-butanediol in Vancouver, more commonly known as "liquid ecstasy" or the "date rape drug" 148 kg of methamphetamine at Vancouver International Airport 142 kg of cocaine, (estimated value of $3.5M) from rail containers in Montreal 154 kg (estimated value of $4.6M) of ketamine at the Toronto Pearson International Airport 108 kg of cocaine at the Coutts port of entry 419 kg of suspected cocaine at the Blue Water Bridge port of entry 25 kg of codeine and the precursor chemical ephedrine (estimated value of $1.4 M) 8 kg of suspected Khat at the Ambassador Bridge 1.7 kg of suspected MDMA (ecstasy) (estimated value of $59,640) at the Peace Bridge 10 kg of ketamine (estimated value of $706K) at the Vancouver International Airport 2.7 kg of opium (estimated value of $160k) at the Vancouver International Airport just under 25 kg of meth at the Vancouver International Mail Centre The CBSA will continue to disrupt the supply chain for fentanyl and other illicit drugs through interception of contraband as part of Canada's overarching efforts to strengthen border security and combat organized crime. Quotes "I am committed to serving Canadians by keeping our communities safe, combatting hate, and strengthening our security agencies. Operation Blizzard exemplifies the tireless work of border services officers who defend our borders and our communities every day from dangerous drugs and organized crime groups. " - The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety "Fentanyl and other illegal drugs pose a threat to our communities and to public safety. The Canada Border Services Agency, with initiatives like Operation Blizzard, is directly contributing to detect, disrupt, and dismantle the fentanyl trade." - Kevin Brosseau, Fentanyl Czar "CBSA personnel work day in and day out to prevent criminal organizations from exploiting our borders. With Operation Blizzard, we stopped narcotics, synthetic opioids and fentanyl from reaching communities both at home and across the world. Our commitment to stopping the flow of illegal drugs is unwavering and our officers will continue to protect our communities from these dangerous substances." - Erin O'Gorman, President, Canada Border Services Agency Quick Facts Fentanyl is a very potent opioid. A few grains can be enough to kill you. It is a dangerous drug that is 20 to 40 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. This makes the risk of accidental overdose very high. Canada is investing $1.3 billion to bolster security at the border and strengthen the immigration system, all while keeping Canadians safe. The CBSA's response to the opioid crisis includes working with domestic and international law enforcement partners to identify and apprehend individuals, groups, and businesses that are suspected to be involved in the cross border movement of illicit drugs and substances. The CBSA also works with Health Canada in monitoring new and emerging threats of non-regulated substances that may be used for the illegal production of controlled substances, which can lead to scheduling of these chemicals under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Contact the Border Watch Line to report suspicious cross-border activities using our secure web form or by calling 1-888-502-9060 toll-free.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
CBSA seizes 1.73 kg of fentanyl and 59.73 kg of other narcotics during export-focused Operation Blizzard
OTTAWA, ON, May 28, 2025 /CNW/ - The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) plays an important role in keeping fentanyl, its precursors and other dangerous drugs off our streets. Today, the CBSA shared the results of Operation Blizzard. Launched as part of Canada's Border Plan, Operation Blizzard was a month-long (February 12th to March 13th), cross-country surge operation to intercept fentanyl and other illegal drugs in postal, air cargo and marine containers. During the operation, border services officers examined shipments, with a special focus on mail, air freight and sea containers going to the United States. They acted on increased referrals from CBSA's National Targeting Centre based on risk assessments. In total, the CBSA executed over 2,600 seizures of suspected narcotics and precursors across the country. 67.5% of all seizures made were of illegal narcotics coming to Canada from the United States, while 17.5% were of narcotics going to the United States. These included: 116 fentanyl seizures (1.73 kg), intercepted in British Columbia, Québec and Alberta. Of these seizures, 1.44 kg were on route to the United States and 0.26 kg were destined to other countries 17 meth seizures (5.38 kg and 89 pills) 24 cocaine seizures (13 kg) 26 heroin seizures (0.19 kg) 17 opium seizures (38.84 kg and 11 bottles) 48 MDMA seizures (2.32 kg and 82 pills) 249 cannabis and cannabis related product seizures During this same period, the CBSA shared details about other notable seizures of illegal narcotics: 400 litres of 1,4-butanediol in Vancouver, more commonly known as "liquid ecstasy" or the "date rape drug" 148 kg of methamphetamine at Vancouver International Airport 142 kg of cocaine, (estimated value of $3.5M) from rail containers in Montreal 154 kg (estimated value of $4.6M) of ketamine at the Toronto Pearson International Airport 108 kg of cocaine at the Coutts port of entry 419 kg of suspected cocaine at the Blue Water Bridge port of entry 25 kg of codeine and the precursor chemical ephedrine (estimated value of $1.4 M) 8 kg of suspected Khat at the Ambassador Bridge 1.7 kg of suspected MDMA (ecstasy) (estimated value of $59,640) at the Peace Bridge 10 kg of ketamine (estimated value of $706K) at the Vancouver International Airport 2.7 kg of opium (estimated value of $160k) at the Vancouver International Airport just under 25 kg of meth at the Vancouver International Mail Centre The CBSA will continue to disrupt the supply chain for fentanyl and other illicit drugs through interception of contraband as part of Canada's overarching efforts to strengthen border security and combat organized crime. Quotes "I am committed to serving Canadians by keeping our communities safe, combatting hate, and strengthening our security agencies. Operation Blizzard exemplifies the tireless work of border services officers who defend our borders and our communities every day from dangerous drugs and organized crime groups. " - The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety "Fentanyl and other illegal drugs pose a threat to our communities and to public safety. The Canada Border Services Agency, with initiatives like Operation Blizzard, is directly contributing to detect, disrupt, and dismantle the fentanyl trade." - Kevin Brosseau, Fentanyl Czar "CBSA personnel work day in and day out to prevent criminal organizations from exploiting our borders. With Operation Blizzard, we stopped narcotics, synthetic opioids and fentanyl from reaching communities both at home and across the world. Our commitment to stopping the flow of illegal drugs is unwavering and our officers will continue to protect our communities from these dangerous substances." - Erin O'Gorman, President, Canada Border Services Agency Quick Facts Fentanyl is a very potent opioid. A few grains can be enough to kill you. It is a dangerous drug that is 20 to 40 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. This makes the risk of accidental overdose very high. Canada is investing $1.3 billion to bolster security at the border and strengthen the immigration system, all while keeping Canadians safe. The CBSA's response to the opioid crisis includes working with domestic and international law enforcement partners to identify and apprehend individuals, groups, and businesses that are suspected to be involved in the cross border movement of illicit drugs and substances. The CBSA also works with Health Canada in monitoring new and emerging threats of non-regulated substances that may be used for the illegal production of controlled substances, which can lead to scheduling of these chemicals under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Contact the Border Watch Line to report suspicious cross-border activities using our secure web form or by calling 1-888-502-9060 toll-free. Follow us on X (@CanBorder), Instagram (@CanBorder), and join us on Facebook or visit our YouTube channel. SOURCE Canada Border Services Agency View original content:
The South African
18-05-2025
- The South African
Drug dealer nabbed in Mpumalanga... again
A 40-year-old Nigerian national from Bethal, Mpumalanga, has been arrested for allegedly dealing in drugs. His arrest comes as a result of a joint operation between Secunda Crime Intelligence, the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation and the Secunda K9 unit. 'The suspect is currently out on bail on a separate but similar offence of dealing in drugs. He was arrested alongside side 11 other suspects in Bethal in a Hawks Operation 'Dream on', in June 2021', said MP Hawks spokesperson, Colonel Magonseni Nkosi. According to Nkosi, the suspect was out on bail under strict conditions. He said the suspect brazenly ignored the conditions. Hawks received intelligence that the suspect was continuing to deal in drugs. After receiving the information, the Hawks pounced on the suspect. Nkosi said the team proceeded to the suspect's residential place where they found him with a 34-year-old companion. The companion did not have any legal documentation granting them permission to be in South Africa. Additionally they found drugs in the house, according to Nkosi. He said, 'The suspect was found in possession of seven plastic bags of substances believed to be crystal meth, two plastic bags of substances believed to be Khat as well as close to R10 000 in cash' The Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in Mpumalanga, Major General Nico Gerber, has vowed that a thorough investigation will be conducted. 'We are not only interested in getting drugs off the streets but our main focus is on the origin of drugs. Once we deal with manufacturers, we will have achieved our mission of rooting out drug related activities in the province,' concluded the General. Both suspects will be appearing tomorrow, 19 May 2025, before Bethal Magistrate's Court. They will be appearing on charges of dealing in drugs and Contravention of the Immigration Act. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
