Seven South Africans believed to be part of one of the world's biggest and most powerful cocaine syndicates are to spend a week behind bars in South America.
They, along with two Nigerians, were arrested at São Paulo International Airport in Brazil on Sunday, moments before collecting their tickets to board a flight to Johannesburg.
They were allegedly trying to smuggle more than 20kg of cocaine, hidden in special compartments in vests.
The Nigerians are believed to have swallowed half a kilogram of cocaine packed inside condoms.
The arrest of the seven, who are from Johannesburg, Pretoria and Cape Town, comes three weeks after two other South Africans were arrested in Lahore, Pakistan.
The two, both from Pretoria, were nabbed along with three Nigerians as they were about to board a flight to Johannesburg International Airport.
They were allegedly in possession of heroin, opium and cocaine.
It is believed that the South Africans had smuggled dagga out of South Africa to Pakistan, where they exchanged it for the narcotics allegedly found on them.
In both cases, the South Africans are believed to be part of one of the biggest heroin and cocaine narcotics rings in the country.
The syndicate is believed to smuggle quantities of dagga out of South Africa in exchange for heroin and cocaine, which is brought back into the country.
A government source said it was hoped that the capture of the seven would lead to several arrests in Johannesburg and Pretoria, where the syndicate's main base of operations was believed to have been set up.
According to a department of foreign affairs statement, a consular visit was being arranged for the seven South Africans being held in São Paulo.
The department said a consular visit had also been arranged for the South Africans in jail in Lahore. It was expected to take place next week.