The seizures, conducted in a joint operation by the South African Police Service and SARS Customs officials, mark one of the largest drug busts at the airport this year.
Two Consignments Intercepted
In the first incident, two large travel suitcases were intercepted at the airport terminal, containing approximately 83 kilograms of suspected cocaine packed in bricks. The second interception targeted the cargo section, where four boxes containing approximately 250 kilograms of suspected cocaine were seized. The combined estimated street value of the seized drugs is more than R200 million.
The Search Operation
SARS Commissioner Dr Johnstone Makhubu said the operation was executed simultaneously across three critical points of entry processing: aircraft baggage off-loading, passenger arrivals baggage screening and cargo inspections.
"The coordinated interception of cocaine from both passenger baggage and unmanifested cargo on the same flight reflects the value of integrated enforcement," Makhubu said.
He noted that every successful seizure helps protect communities from the devastating impact of drug trafficking and reinforces the integrity of legitimate trade.
The second interception targeted the cargo section, where four boxes containing approximately 250 kilograms of suspected cocaine were seized.
No Arrests Yet
No arrests have been made at this stage. Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, national police spokesperson, confirmed that "investigations are underway to identify and apprehend those responsible for the importation and distribution of the drugs."
Police Commendation
Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane commended the multidisciplinary team for its vigilance.
"The vigilance of our members at this strategic port of entry ought to be commended. On a monthly basis, we continue to intercept large quantities of drugs and disrupt the activities of drug mules," Dimpane said.
"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," Dimpane added.
The latest seizure continues a pattern of significant drug interceptions at OR Tambo in 2026. In July, police seized 95 kilograms of cocaine worth an estimated R28 million from the airport's cargo section, also from a flight arriving from São Paulo.
A Growing Trend
The latest seizure continues a pattern of significant drug interceptions at OR Tambo in 2026. In July, police seized 95 kilograms of cocaine worth an estimated R28 million from the airport's cargo section, also from a flight arriving from São Paulo. In June, a 23-year-old woman was arrested for allegedly carrying drug-filled capsules. Over the previous two years, police have intercepted and arrested more than 50 drug mules at the airport.
With reporting from The Citizen, EWN, SARS, eNCA, IOL and Inside Politics.
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