South African woman arrested after N$5-million drug bust at Ariamsvlei border post

A 37-year-old South African woman is expected to appear in court on Tuesday after she was arrested at the Ariamsvlei border post on Sunday in connection with a major drug smuggling attempt valued at more than N$5 million.

This was confirmed by national police spokesperson deputy commissioner Kauna Shikwambi on Tuesday afternoon.

She said the arrest took place at around 17h00 after the suspect arrived at the Ariamsvlei border checkpoint from South Africa, driving a white mini truck.

According to Shikwambi, Namibia Revenue Agency officials directed the vehicle to the scanner area, where the machine detected suspicious objects concealed inside the canopy.

“During scanning, officials noticed foreign objects hidden within the vehicle’s canopy and immediately alerted Ariamsvlei police. A physical search was carried out, where officers discovered suspected cocaine, cannabis and mandrax tablets built into the structure of the canopy,” she said.

The drugs were allegedly destined for Okahandja, Shikwambi said.

She said the items seized include: 1 993 mandrax tablets, 1.05 kg of cocaine and 77 parcels of cannabis worth an estimated street value of N$5 159 160.

The police say the woman was arrested at the scene and charged with contravening sections 2(c) and 2(d) of the Abuse of Dependence-Producing Substances and Rehabilitation Centres Act, 41 of 1971, which relate to dealing in prohibited drugs.

She remains in custody as police investigations continue.

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