Authorities seized approximately 250 kilograms of cocaine with a street value exceeding R200 million at OR Tambo International Airport on Sunday.
A joint operation involving the South African Police Service, South African Revenue Service Customs and the Border Management Authority intercepted five luggage bags holding 216 blocks of the drug. Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said forensic experts confirmed the substance.
National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola commended the team. Mathe said the seizure showed “the effectiveness of coordinated law enforcement efforts” and the commitment of officers to disrupt networks using South Africa’s ports of entry.
The consignment arrived on a flight from Brazil. An investigation is underway.
Mathe said 116 drug mules had been arrested at the airport over the past 24 months. SAPS reiterated it would continue working with partners to strengthen border security and bring those involved in the illicit trade to justice.
