South African Revenue Service customs officials say a 74 year-old wheelchair bound woman has been arrested – after she was caught allegedly with almost R500 000 worth of heroin.
SARS says the woman was caught with the drugs neatly concealed in false compartments in her handbag at OR Tambo International Airport, in Johannesburg.
She was reportedly destined for a Central European country. She has been charged with drug possession and attempted smuggling.
SARS spokesperson Sicelo Mkosi says they are on high alert at all ports of entry in the country.
“We have intercepted this old lady in possession of drugs and in our view and this was an attempt to smuggle the drugs out of the country. We have since handed her over to the SAPS for further investigation. We have made a resolve in respect of our ports of entry, as customs we will not stop at anything in ensuring that we are free from people who are trying to take illegal substances into or outside of our country.”
