Woman bust with drugs ‘not an actress’

Police have denied claims that the woman nabbed at ORTIA allegedly with R4.6m worth of drugs was a SA celebrity.

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Johannesburg - Police on Monday denied claims that the woman arrested at the OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on Sunday, allegedly with R4.6 million worth of ephedrine (main ingredient in tik) in her luggage, was a South African celebrity.

“Contrary to public belief the arrested woman is not a South African celebrity,” police spokesman Vish Naidoo said.

“She will appear at the Kempton Park Magistrate Court on Tuesday.”

Earlier on Monday, SA Revenue Services spokesperson Luther Lebelo said the bag, with 15.4 kilograms of ephedrine, was found on Sunday at OR Tambo International Airport after the woman had arrived on a flight from Abu Dhabi.

“The passenger, who was proceeding through the ‘nothing to declare Green channel’ was stopped by customs officials for her bags to be scanned,” said Lebelo.

Lebelo said the scanning of her one bag showed up suspicious images. It was only after further investigation and searching of the bag that officials discovered 15 parcels wrapped in carbon or foil-like material hidden in the luggage.

Immediate tests conducted by Sars officials confirmed that the suspected substance was ephedrine, which is the main ingredient in crystal meth.

Lebelo said the narcotics and passenger, identified as a South African actress, were detained and subsequently handed over to the South African Police Service (SAPS) Organised Crime department for further investigation.

The details of the passenger will only be released once she has appeared in court on Tuesday.

ANA