A 95kg cocaine consignment with an estimated street value of R28 million has been intercepted at OR Tambo International Airport. Image: SAPS
OR Tambo International Airport
1Min
South Africa
Police seize R28 million cocaine shipment at OR Tambo International Airport
A 95kg cocaine consignment with an estimated street value of R28 million has been intercepted at OR Tambo International Airport following an intelligence-led operation involving SAPS, Customs and aviation security partners.
A joint law enforcement operation has resulted in the seizure of 95 kilograms of cocaine worth an estimated R28 million at OR Tambo International Airport.
In a statement on Saturday, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said that the drugs were intercepted on Friday, 31 July 2026, after Crime Intelligence's Border Integrity Unit received information about a suspected drug shipment destined for South Africa.
The intelligence was acted upon by SAPS Visible Policing officers stationed at OR Tambo International Airport, working alongside Customs officials and Menzies Aviation operational personnel.
Police said the cargo had arrived on a flight from São Paulo, Brazil, and was intercepted shortly after landing at approximately 1pm in the airport's cargo section.
The cocaine was seized before it could leave the airport, dealing a significant blow to suspected international drug trafficking networks.
No arrests have been made at this stage, with investigators continuing efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attempted smuggling operation.
SAPS said the successful operation highlights the importance of intelligence-led policing and collaboration between law enforcement agencies in protecting South Africa's borders and ports of entry.
Police reaffirmed their commitment to dismantling organised crime syndicates involved in the illicit drug trade, adding that investigations into the case remain ongoing.
