South Africa: SAPS Intercept Cocaine Worth an Estimated R28 Million At OR Tambo

What the report says

The South African Police Service says it intercepted a cocaine shipment valued at about R28 million at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, in a joint operation with other law enforcement and airport partners. According to the account published by SAnews.gov.za and distributed by AllAfrica, the seizure followed intelligence received by SAPS Crime Intelligence’s Border Integrity Unit.

Police said the operation was carried out on Friday and involved members of SAPS Visible Policing at the airport, together with customs officials and Menzies Aviation staff. The consignment reportedly arrived on a flight from São Paulo, Brazil, and was stopped in the cargo area shortly after landing. Authorities said the cocaine weighed 95 kilograms.

No arrests had been made at the time of reporting, and investigators were still working to identify those behind the suspected smuggling attempt. The case adds to ongoing concerns about the use of major airports and other ports of entry in transnational drug trafficking, a challenge South African authorities have repeatedly said they are trying to disrupt.

SAPS said it remains focused on working with partners to protect borders and transport hubs from criminal exploitation. The report did not provide further details on the suspects, the intended destination of the drugs, or whether any follow-up seizures or arrests had occurred.