Johannesburg – South African authorities at the OR Tambo International Airport have seized two separate consignments of cocaine worth an estimated R200 million.
South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the contraband was intercepted on Tuesday, 25 August 2026.
“SAPS members attached to ORTIA, working with other law enforcement authorities including Customs officials, intercepted two separate consignments of cocaine,” Brigadier Mathe revealed earlier today, Wednesday, 26 August 2026.
“In the first incident, two large travel suitcases were intercepted at the airport terminal.
“The suitcases contained blocks of suspected cocaine weighing approximately 84 kilograms.”
Brigadier Mathe said in a separate interception at the cargo section, authorities seized four boxes containing approximately 250 kilograms of suspected cocaine, packed into 220 blocks.
“The combined estimated street value of the seized cocaine is more than R200 million,” she said.
No arrests have been made at this stage.
“Investigations are underway to identify and apprehend those responsible for the importation and distribution of the drugs,” the spokesperson said.
Acting National Commissioner of SAPS, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, commended the multidisciplinary team for its vigilance and continued efforts to disrupt drug trafficking through the country’s major international entry points.
“The vigilance of our members at this strategic port of entry ought to be commended,” Lieutenant General Dimpane stated.
“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.”
