The 70-year-old British national who was arrested at Cape Town International Airport with R600 000 worth of tik hidden inside his luggage has dropped his bail application.
Also read: Suspects apprehended following bomb scare at Cape Town Airport
Matthew Hamilton Swire appeared in the Bellville Magistrates’ Court for the first time on Monday after being arrested on 6 June by a team from the Hawks’ South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau following a tip-off.
The drugs weighed 1.4kg and were concealed in a compartment of Swire’s luggage.
The Hawks confirmed that Swire was attempting to flee the country and return to the UK when he was apprehended.
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‘A UK citizen, Matthew Hamilton Swire, 70, appeared in the Bellville Magistrate’s Court and abandoned his bail,’ said Hawks spokesperson Siyabulela Vukubi. ‘The matter was postponed to August 1, 2024.’
Vukubi previously stated that during a search of Swire’s luggage, packets of crystal methamphetamine were discovered in a hidden compartment.
Eric Ntabazalila, a spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority, confirmed that Swire was charged with drug dealing.
‘He abandoned his bail and will thus remain in custody,’ said Ntabazalila.
The provincial head of the Hawks in the Western Cape, Mathipa Makgato, commended the swift reaction by the team that led to the interception of the alleged drug trafficker.
Last week, while the drama surrounding Swire’s arrest was unfolding, authorities responded to a bomb threat.
Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) confirmed that the SAPS bomb squad was dispatched to the airport after the crew of a departing flight was notified of a potential security threat aboard the aircraft.
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They stated that the SAPS and relevant law enforcement agencies were in charge of managing the security threat on FlySafair FA102 as it prepared to depart for OR Tambo International Airport.
The incident was related to two passengers arrested after making remarks while aboard an aircraft, they said.
‘Acsa can confirm that airport and airline management were at the scene to ensure full compliance with all aviation safety and security protocols required by law,’ Acsa said.
The passengers were rebooked on to another flight.
‘We can confirm that two suspects were apprehended, and that there are no further risks to airport operations,’ Acsa said.
Also read:
Acsa welcomes arrest of 70-year-old drug mule at CT International
Picture: Hawks
