Police seize R28 million cocaine haul at OR Tambo Airport
· The South African
South African Police Service (SAPS) seized 95 kilograms of cocaine worth an estimated R28 million at OR Tambo International Airport. They were dealing with a significant blow to organised drug trafficking networks.
SAPS intercepted the shipment on Friday, 31 July 2026, during an intelligence-driven operation.
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Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said SAPS Crime Intelligence’s Border Integrity Unit received information about a suspected drug consignment.
“The information was operationalised by members of the SAPS Visible Policing Unit at OR Tambo International Airport. In collaboration with Customs officials and Menzies Aviation operational members,” she said.
Cargo arrived from Brazil
Authorities intercepted the cargo shortly after it arrived on a flight from São Paulo, Brazil, at about 1pm.
Police seized 95 kilograms of cocaine at the cargo section of OR Tambo International Airport. They have not made any arrests at this stage.
Investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend those involved in the attempted smuggling operation,” Mathe said.
Police have not revealed the intended recipient of the shipment.
Police vow to tighten border security
Mathe said SAPS remains committed to dismantling organised criminal networks involved in the illicit drug trade.
She said police will continue working with law enforcement partners to protect South Africa’s borders and ports of entry from criminal exploitation.
The latest cocaine seizure and the recent drug mule arrest have renewed concerns about South Africa’s role as a transit hub for international drug syndicates.
Police say they will continue targeting smuggling networks through intelligence-led operations at the country’s ports of entry.