Police at OR Tambo International Airport have arrested a Brazilian national after intercepting cocaine with an estimated street value of R8.7 million.

The 26-year-old transgender suspect was apprehended on Sunday afternoon upon arrival from Brazil after police, acting on intelligence, conducted a search of the luggage.

Members discovered multiple blocks of cocaine wrapped and concealed inside the luggage during the search.

The arrest forms part of ongoing intelligence-driven operations targeting transnational drug trafficking networks operating through South Africa’s largest port of entry.

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Police at OR Tambo International Airport have recorded several successes in recent months in intercepting drug traffickers attempting to smuggle narcotics into the country.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said that the interception of drug traffickers has disrupted the supply of illicit drugs and strengthened the fight against organised crime.

The suspect is expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 28 April 2026, on charges of drug trafficking.

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