JOHANNESBURG – A multidisciplinary law enforcement team has seized cocaine with an estimated street value of more than R200 million at OR Tambo International Airport in two separate interceptions on Tuesday, 25 August 2026.

The South African Police Service (SAPS), working with customs officials from the South African Revenue Service (SARS), intercepted two large travel suitcases at the airport terminal containing approximately 84kg of suspected cocaine packed into blocks.

In a separate operation at the cargo section, officials seized four boxes containing approximately 250kg of suspected cocaine packed into 220 blocks. A SARS narcotics detector dog named Lagertha reacted positively to the unmanifested cargo, leading to the discovery.

The combined seizure totalled more than 334kg of cocaine. Both consignments reportedly bore similar branding.

No arrests have been made. Investigations are underway to identify and apprehend those responsible for the importation and distribution of the drugs.

Top cop praises vigilance at strategic port

Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane commended the multidisciplinary team for its vigilance at the country’s major international entry point.

“The vigilance of our members at this strategic port of entry ought to be commended. On a monthly basis, we continue to intercept large quantities of drugs and disrupt the activities of drug mules. These successes send a strong message that we will not allow South Africa to be used as a transit point or market for illicit drugs. We will continue working with our law enforcement partners to detect, intercept and dismantle drug trafficking networks,” Dimpane said.

Series of major busts during 2026

The latest seizure forms part of a series of major drug busts at South African airports during 2026. On 31 July, police intercepted a 95kg consignment of cocaine valued at R28 million at OR Tambo, also arriving from São Paulo, Brazil.

Earlier in the year, on four and five March, police seized drugs with a combined street value of R2,8 million at the airport, including crystal meth valued at R2,2 million destined for the Philippines and dagga valued at R672 000 shipped from Morocco.

At Cape Town International Airport on four July, SAPS Border Policing officers arrested a man (46) after discovering approximately 50,7kg of suspected khat concealed in three suitcases.

More than 50 mules intercepted in two years

According to parliamentary records, more than 50 drug mules have been intercepted and arrested at OR Tambo International Airport over the past two years. Between 2025 and 2026, more than 27 alleged traffickers were arrested at the airport.

SAPS data covering the previous three financial years shows 92 drug seizure cases and 96 arrests at OR Tambo. Of those arrests, 19 resulted in convictions, 32 are on the court roll, 28 were provisionally withdrawn pending forensic results, and 13 warrants of arrest were issued.

Law enforcement authorities employ a risk-based methodology for profiling and searching cargo and passengers, using intelligence-driven operations focused on known trafficking routes and source countries.

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