Joint ACSA-Hawks Operation Leads to Arrest of Suspected Drug Traffickers at O R Tambo International Airport

(IN SHORT) A joint operation conducted by the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) and the elite Directorate of Priority Crimes Investigation, known as the Hawks, has resulted in the arrest of five individuals suspected of drug trafficking. Among the suspects are employees of various companies operating at O R Tambo International Airport, including two ACSA employees. The collaboration between ACSA and law enforcement agencies is aimed at enhancing security at national key points like airports, especially during the festive season when illicit trade tends to increase. The matter is now under investigation by the South African Police Service (SAPS), and the suspects are set to appear in court on November 17, 2023. Further inquiries should be directed to SAPS.

(PRESS RELEASE) JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, 2023-Nov-18 — /Travel PR News/ — The Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) can confirm that a special joint operation between the elite Directorate of Priority Crimes Investigation, also known as the Hawks, resulted in the identification and apprehension of five individuals suspected of drug trafficking, says Jabulani Khambule, the Regional General Manager for ACSA’s airport cluster which includes O R Tambo International Airport.

The suspects are employees of various companies operating at O R Tambo International Airport, including two who are ACSA employees. Khambule praised the Hawks and the ACSA team that was involved in the operation noting that the ongoing collaboration between ACSA and law enforcement agencies continues to yield excellent results.

“ACSA and the South African Police Service (SAPS) are dedicated to making our national key points, which include our airport network, safe for all our passengers. We have raised our level of alertness, particularly as we head towards the festive season which is typically accompanied by an increase in the level illicit trade,” adds Khambule.

The matter is now in the hand of SAPS who are conducting further investigations. The suspects will appear in court on Friday 17th of November 2023. Questions related to this matter should therefore be directed to SAPS.

Media Contacts:

Media Enquiries:

Samukelo Khambule
Internal Communications Specialist
+27 72 577 2678
Samukelo.Khambule@airports.co.za

General Enquiries:

Tel: (011) 723 1400 or (011) 921 6262;
E-mail: customercare@airports.co.za ​

For media inquiries ONLY please contact Tulisiwe Mkatshwa at:
​E-mail: tulisiwe.mkatshwa@airports.co.za or Mediadesk@airports.co.za

Source: Airports Company South Africa (ACSA)

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