A 52 year old South African man has been arrested at OR Tambo International Airport after police allegedly discovered suspected heroin worth more than R2 million in his luggage following his arrival on a flight from Accra, Ghana.

The South African Police Service said the suspect was intercepted at the Johannesburg airport on Sunday, September 20, during an intelligence led operation conducted with support from the Border Management Authority.

Police said officers searched the man's luggage after his arrival from Ghana and discovered objects containing substances suspected to be heroin.

The substances have been seized for further investigation and testing.

SUSPECTED HEROIN FOUND IN LUGGAGE

According to police, officers discovered bullet shaped objects and blocks containing substances suspected to be heroin during the search.

Authorities estimated the value of the suspected drugs at more than R2 million.

That is approximately GHS 1.4 million based on current exchange rates, although the precise conversion may fluctuate.

Police have not publicly confirmed the suspect's identity.

The arrest forms part of continuing operations targeting suspected international drug trafficking through OR Tambo International Airport.

FLIGHT ARRIVED FROM ACCRA

Police confirmed that the suspect had arrived on a flight from Accra before being intercepted.

Authorities have not publicly established where the suspected drugs originated or whether they were obtained in Ghana.

The fact that the passenger travelled from Accra therefore does not by itself establish that Ghana was the origin of the drugs.

Investigators are expected to examine the man's movements and any potential links to a wider trafficking network.

THIRD SUSPECTED DRUG MULE ARREST IN THREE WEEKS

South African authorities said the latest case brings to three the number of suspected drug mules arrested at OR Tambo International Airport during the past three weeks.

The arrests come as police and border authorities intensify intelligence led operations targeting passengers suspected of transporting illegal drugs through the country's busiest international airport.

OR Tambo serves as one of Africa's most important aviation hubs and connects Johannesburg with destinations across Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the Americas.

Its extensive international network has also made the airport an important focus for law enforcement agencies combating transnational drug trafficking.

SUSPECT EXPECTED IN COURT

The 52 year old suspect is expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrates' Court later this week.

He is expected to face charges related to drug trafficking.

Investigations into the case remain underway.

Authorities have not announced whether additional arrests are expected or whether investigators have identified other people suspected of involvement.

The substances recovered from the luggage are also expected to undergo forensic analysis as investigators continue building the case.

Until the court process is concluded, the arrested man remains a suspect and the allegations against him have not been proven in court.