Major cocaine bust at OR Tambo Airport: R200 million seized by SAPS
South African Police Service intercepts cocaine valued at R200 million at OR Tambo International Airport, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) and law enforcement agencies have confiscated a significant quantity of cocaine at OR Tambo International Airport, valued at approximately R200 million. The drug bust took place on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, when two separate consignments of the drug were intercepted.
The initial interception involved two large travel suitcases containing about 84 kilograms of suspected cocaine. During a second interception in the cargo section, four boxes packed with around 250 kilograms of cocaine were seized. The estimated street value of the drugs amounts to more than R200 million, according to National Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe.
No arrests have been made at this stage, as investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible for the importation and distribution of the drugs. Acting national police commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane praised the multidisciplinary team's vigilance in disrupting drug trafficking at South Africa's major international entry point.
Dimpane emphasized that such successes will not be tolerated and that the country will continue working with law enforcement partners to detect, intercept, and dismantle drug trafficking networks.
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