Cocaine worth an estimated R200 million seized at OR Tambo International Airport

The Acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, has applauded the work of a multidisciplinary team at OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) following the seizure of cocaine worth an estimated R200 million.

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.

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.

In a separate interception at the cargo section, four boxes containing approximately 250 kilograms of suspected cocaine, packed into 220 blocks, were seized.

The combined estimated street value of the seized cocaine is more than R200 million.

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.

Lieutenant General 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. 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,” concluded Lieutenant General Dimpane.