drug mules

Main trafficking hubs in South Africa include Durban Harbour, OR Tambo International Airport, and Lebombo Port of Entry. Bulk imports mostly occur via Durban Harbour. Smuggling via OR Tambo is mainly by drug mules carrying drugs on their person or in body cavities, while bulk trafficking through shipping containers is conducted by sophisticated syndicates. Smaller harbours are used to a lesser extent.

“The main trafficking hubs in South Africa are the Durban Harbour, OR Tambo International Airport and the Lebombo Port of Entry. Bulk imports are mainly through the Durban Harbour. The smuggling via OR Tambo International Airport is primarily by way of people referred to as drug mules who would smuggle the drugs in their luggage or on their person, such as in body cavities. Bulk trafficking through shipping containers is usually undertaken by sophisticated syndicates. Commissioners, I can also just mention here that except for these harbours, the Western Cape, Cape Town Harbour, Saldanha Harbour, as well as harbours, smaller harbours towards Port Elizabeth and so forth, are all being used to a lesser extent although for these smuggling and trafficking activities.”