​​The Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) can confirm that a special joint operation between the elite Directorate of Priority Crimes Investigation, also known as the Hawks, resulted in the identification and apprehension of five individuals suspected of drug trafficking, says Jabulani Khambule, the Regional General Manager for ACSA's airport cluster which includes O R Tambo International Airport.

The suspects are employees of various companies operating at O R Tambo International Airport, including two who are ACSA employees. Khambule praised the Hawks and the ACSA team that was involved in the operation noting that the ongoing collaboration between ACSA and law enforcement agencies continues to yield excellent results.

"ACSA and the South African Police Service (SAPS) are dedicated to making our national key points, which include our airport network, safe for all our passengers. We have raised our level of alertness, particularly as we head towards the festive season which is typically accompanied by an increase in the level illicit trade," adds Khambule.

The matter is now in the hand of SAPS who are conducting further investigations. The suspects will appear in court on Friday 17^th of November 2023. Questions related to this matter should therefore be directed to SAPS.

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