Johannesburg – Police have seized a massive cocaine consignment estimated to be worth R28 million at OR Tambo International Airport.
Spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said police seized the drugs on Friday, 31 July 2026.
She said the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Intelligence’s Border Integrity Unit was alerted about a suspected drug consignment on a flight from Brazil.
“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,” said Brigadier Mathe.
“The cargo, which had arrived on a flight from São Paulo, Brazil, was intercepted immediately upon arrival at approximately 13:00.
“The 95 kilograms of cocaine were seized at the cargo section of OR Tambo International Airport.”
Brigadier Mathe said no arrests have been effected at this stage.
“Investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend those involved in the attempted smuggling operation,” she said.
“The SAPS remains committed to disrupting organised criminal networks involved in the illicit drug trade and will continue working with its law enforcement partners to ensure that South Africa’s borders and ports of entry are protected from criminal exploitation.”
