South African Woman Arrested in Ethiopia with R5.4 Million Worth of Cocaine
A 29-year-old South African woman has been arrested in Ethiopia after authorities discovered 13kg of cocaine in her luggage, valued at R5.4 million. The arrest was part of a joint operation between South African Police Service (SAPS) Gauteng counter-narcotics intelligence and the Ethiopian Federal Police.
How South African Woman Was Arrested in Ethiopia with Cocaine
According to police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, the woman was flagged by SAPS counter-narcotics intelligence through Interpol on suspicion that she was involved in drug trafficking. Investigations revealed that she had flown to Brazil earlier this month from OR Tambo International Airport. The SAPS team, suspecting she would be transporting drugs, tracked her movements.
The woman’s travel itinerary showed she was scheduled to fly from Brazil to South Africa, passing through several countries, including Ethiopia and Sudan. SAPS intelligence immediately notified Ethiopian authorities of her movements, allowing them to act swiftly.
When the woman arrived in Addis Ababa on Saturday, Ethiopian Federal Police flagged her and inspected her luggage. During the search, they discovered 13kg of cocaine. She was arrested on the spot and is expected to face charges in an Ethiopian court.
Authorities Applaud the Successful Operation
National Police Commissioner General Fanie Masemola praised the collaborative efforts between South African and Ethiopian authorities, emphasizing the importance of cross-border cooperation in tackling drug trafficking.
“When African police organisations unite, more can and will be achieved by working together. We are stamping the authority of the state on a larger scale and sending out a clearer message that the long arm of the law will find you, no matter which route you utilise to try and traffic drugs into SA. We are intensifying our fight against transnational organised crime and the trafficking of drugs. SAPS intelligence is relentless in their pursuit to be one step ahead of criminals; this is commendable,” said Masemola