South African Police Seize Cocaine Worth R28m at Johannesburg Airport

August 4, 2026
By Mintesinot Nigussie

South African police have seized 95 kilograms of cocaine with an estimated street value of 28 million rand at OR Tambo International Airport, disrupting an alleged drug smuggling operation linked to a cargo flight from Brazil. The South African Police Service (SAPS) said the narcotics were intercepted on Friday following an intelligence-led operation involving the SAPS Crime Intelligence Border Integrity Unit, Visible Policing officers stationed at the airport, Customs officials and aviation ground handling company Menzies Aviation.

The shipment arrived on a flight from São Paulo and was intercepted shortly after landing at around 1:00pm in the airport's cargo terminal, where officers discovered the cocaine consignment. Police said no arrests had been made and investigations are continuing to identify those responsible for the attempted smuggling operation.

The seizure forms part of South Africa's broader efforts to curb transnational organised crime and drug trafficking through its ports of entry. Authorities said they would continue working with domestic and international law enforcement agencies to disrupt criminal networks using the country's airports and border crossings for illicit trade.

Source: FSX Business News