The Kempton Park Regional Court sentenced two accused to 15 years imprisonment on 27 July 2022 for dealing drugs.
On 14 July 2019, the Germiston-based Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team with the South African Revenue Service official conducted an undercover operation at the OR Tambo International Airport after they received information about the man who was entering the country with drugs from Brazil.
The operation led to the arrest of Marie Maile (30) who was a cleaning company supervisor at the airport and a foreign national, Antonio Santana Luiz (29). Maile was requested to take the drugs out of the airport after Luiz dropped them in the toilet.
She was spotted carrying a backpack and a search was conducted. There was a body wrap with five kilograms of cocaine with an estimated street value of R3 million. She was arrested and further investigation led to the arrest of Luiz who was found with traces of glue on his body.
They were both charged with dealing drugs. They remained in custody until they were convicted and sentenced.