SAPS seizes R200 million worth of cocaine at OR Tambo International Airport
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 other law enforcement agencies have intercepted two significant shipments of cocaine at OR Tambo International Airport, with an estimated street value exceeding R200 million. The operation, conducted on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, involved SAPS personnel stationed at ORTIA collaborating with Customs officials and other law enforcement entities.
During the first interception, two large travel suitcases were found at the airport terminal, concealed within them were blocks of suspected cocaine, amounting to approximately 84 kilograms. The second seizure took place in the cargo section, where four boxes were discovered, packed with 250 kilograms of suspected cocaine, divided into 220 individual blocks. The cumulative estimated value of the seized cocaine surpasses R200 million.
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe revealed that no arrests had been made at this stage, but investigations were underway to identify and apprehend the individuals responsible for the importation and distribution of the drugs. Acting national police commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane praised the multidisciplinary team for their vigilance and ongoing efforts to curb drug trafficking through South Africa's principal international entry points.
Dimpane emphasized that such interceptions send a clear message that South Africa will not be utilized as a transit point or market for illicit drugs, vowing to continue working with law enforcement partners to detect, intercept, and dismantle drug trafficking networks.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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