This past weekend police at O R Tambo International Airport arrested three drug mules in separate incidents for allegedly attempting to smuggle drugs with a total value of approximately R1.5 million.
On Saturday, 10 March 2012 a Guyanese citizen Mr Dawn Whelinena Sampson (42) arrived at OR Tambo from Sao Paulo. He was searched and three laptops were found in his luggage. The laptops were closely inspected and powder residue was detected on them. Police found just under 3 kilograms of cocaine concealed inside the three laptops with a total value of approximately R1 million.
A second suspect, a Peruvian citizen Mr Wilfredo Wilder Pen Saavedra (36) also arrived at ORTIA on the same flight. He was suspected of having swallowed drugs and after having undergone x-rays, it was discovered that he indeed had swallowed foreign objects suspected to be cocaine to the value of approximately R300 000.
On Sunday, 11 March 2012, a Nigerian citizen Mr Odinaka Aloysius Ilona was arrested after arriving at ORTIA from Sao Paulo. He was also suspected of having swallowed drugs and after having undergone x-rays, it was discovered that he too had swallowed foreign objects suspected to be cocaine. He has since discharged capsules (bullets) containing cocaine to the value of approximately R200 000. Ilona is still in hospital and process is continuing.
The first two suspects personally appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrates court on Monday and they have been remanded in custody until Monday, 19 March 2012. Ilona appeared in the same court in absentia and his case has been postponed to 20 March 2012.
Enquiries:
Colonel Vishnu Naidoo
Tel: 012-4006579 /6629 /6576
Fax: 012 - 400 7018
Cell: 082 567 4153
E-mail: mediacentre@saps.org.za
Drug mules appear in court
