After attempting to smuggle cocaine at the O R Tambo International Airport, a Brazilian national appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court in Gauteng.
Tadue Ramos, 36, was caught with a consignment of 4kg cocaine concealed in his body in cling wrap.
Ramos was taken into custody by Hawks, the Gauteng branch of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation.
According to Captain Lloyd Ramovha, the Hawks’ provincial spokesperson, members of the Hawks’ Organized Crime Investigation team, based in the East Rand, operationalized intelligence after learning of a drug mule who was expected to land at the O.R. Tambo International Airport on Friday.
“A multidisciplinary team arrived at the landing bay and approached the designated flight. Someone found the suspect. With the exception of what he was carrying, he had no checked luggage, Ramovha stated.
“He was taken to the O.R. Tambo International Airport police station, and an interpreter was provided after he revealed that he did not understand English. Through the interpreter, he admitted to having drugs in his possession,” he said.
“Ramos underwent a body search, which uncovered approximately 4kg of cocaine wrapped around his body. He was promptly arrested and charged under the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act.”
He made a brief court appearance on Monday, with his case being postponed until Tuesday, July 30, for a formal bail hearing.
Major General Ebrahim Kadwa, head of the Hawks in Gauteng, commended the team’s vigilance and the intelligence that led to this action.
“We have taken steps to prevent organized criminal groups from using various methods to illegally import harmful substances into the country,” Kadwa said.