"Namibian Woman Nabbed with Stomach Full of Drugs After 'Baecation' Gone Wrong"

Woman nabbed with stomach full of drugs faces up to 25 years in a South African prison after her arrest at OR Tambo International Airport.

Pauline Mbangula, 30, was caught with 68 cocaine pellets in her system. This incident followed what she thought was a romantic vacation to Brazil with her Nigerian boyfriend, but the trip turned into a nightmare when she was convinced to smuggle drugs back to South Africa.

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Arrested After ‘Baecation’ Turns Ugly

Mbangula was on what she believed was a baecation to Brazil. However, things took a wrong turn when her Nigerian lover convinced her to ingest drugs for smuggling. Upon her arrival in Johannesburg, the woman nabbed with a stomach full of drugs was arrested after a tip-off to South African authorities.

A collaborative effort between the South African Police Service (SAPS), SARS, and immigration officials led to her swift arrest.

Expelled 68 Drug Pellets

After her arrest, the woman nabbed with stomach full of drugs was taken to a hospital where X-rays confirmed she had swallowed drug bullets.

Mbangula eventually expelled 68 pellets weighing 850 grams. SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that Mbangula was moved to a detention facility after all the drugs were removed from her system. She is due to appear in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on drug dealing and possession charges.

Possible 25-Year Prison Sentence

Mbangula’s case could result in a sentence of up to 25 years if convicted. The woman nabbed with stomach full of drugs is believed to be part of a larger international drug trafficking syndicate.

SAPS National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola praised the successful efforts of law enforcement agencies at OR Tambo International Airport, highlighting that South Africa is tightening the net on transnational organized crime.

Dangerous Drug Mule Practices

The woman nabbed with a stomach full of drugs followed a risky method commonly used by drug mules. They ingest tightly wrapped pellets of medicines, often coated in latex or plastic, which are stored in their stomachs to evade detection. This method is not only illegal but highly dangerous, as any leakage of the drugs can lead to death due to drug toxicity.

Financial Struggles and Desperation

Pauline Mbangula, a former nightclub waitress and mother of one, had been struggling financially before her arrest. Those close to her believe her desperation may have led to her involvement in this crime.

The woman nabbed with stomach full of drugs had been staying with a friend in Otjomuise, Namibia, as her financial situation worsened.

Bail Opposed Due to Immigration Status

Meanwhile Mbangula’s bail application was opposed by the state, as her immigration status is still under investigation. She appeared in court without legal representation and requested that no photographs be taken of her for security reasons, according to reports from ENCA news.

Cocaine Worth N$800,000 Found

South African police confirmed that Mbangula is facing charges of drug possession and trafficking, though additional charges may be added. The seized drugs, estimated to be worth N$800,000, weighed approximately 850 grams, as confirmed by police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe.

10th Drug Mule Arrested in Two Months

Mbangula, who had traveled from Brazil, was arrested after an X-ray revealed foreign objects in her stomach. According to Brigadier Mathe, this is the 10th drug mule arrested at OR Tambo International Airport in the last two months.

Unemployment Driving Crime

Political figures in Namibia have linked Mbangula’s involvement in drug trafficking to the country’s high unemployment rate. Many young people, they argue, are turning to illegal activities out of desperation, contributing to the rising number of drug mules being caught smuggling narcotics.

This alarming trend of Namibian citizens being involved in international drug trafficking highlights the urgent need for solutions to address the country’s economic challenges.

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