SAPS Seizes R28 Million Cocaine Shipment At OR Tambo Airport
Authorities acted on the intelligence, leading to the interception of the shipment shortly after it arrived in South Africa.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has intercepted 95 kilograms of cocaine with an estimated street value of R28 million at OR Tambo International Airport in a major operation targeting organised drug trafficking.
The cocaine was seized on Friday, 31 July 2026, during an intelligence-driven operation involving multiple law enforcement agencies.
SAPS Intercepts 95kg Cocaine Shipment At OR Tambo Airport
Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the operation followed information received from the SAPS Crime Intelligence Border Integrity Unit about a suspected drug shipment.
“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.”
Authorities acted on the intelligence, leading to the interception of the shipment shortly after it arrived in South Africa.
Cocaine Shipment Arrived From Brazil
According to Mathe, the cargo arrived on a flight from São Paulo, Brazil, and was intercepted at around 1pm.
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“The 95 kilograms of cocaine were seized at the cargo section of OR Tambo International Airport. No arrests have been made at this stage. Investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend those involved in the attempted smuggling operation.”
Police have not released further details about the intended destination of the drugs or those suspected to be behind the shipment.
SAPS Vows To Intensify Fight Against Drug Trafficking
Mathe said the seizure demonstrates SAPS' continued efforts to dismantle organised crime syndicates involved in the illicit drug trade.
She added that police will continue working closely with law enforcement partners to strengthen border security and prevent South Africa's ports of entry from being exploited by criminal networks.
Investigations into the attempted drug smuggling operation remain ongoing.
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