More than 330kg of suspected cocaine seized at OR Tambo, valued at over R200m

Police and other law enforcement agencies seized more than 330kg of suspected cocaine at OR Tambo International Airport on Tuesday, 25 August 2026. The haul, recovered in two separate interceptions, has an estimated street value of more than R200 million.

Two consignments intercepted at terminal and cargo section

Members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) attached to OR Tambo, working with Customs and other law enforcement authorities, intercepted two consignments of suspected cocaine during the operation.

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,” said national police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe.

In a separate interception at the cargo section, law enforcement officials seized four boxes containing approximately 250 kilograms of suspected cocaine, packed into 220 blocks. The combined estimated street value of the seized cocaine is more than R200 million.

Investigations under way; no arrests yet

Brigadier Mathe said no arrests had been made at this stage and that “Investigations are underway to identify and apprehend those responsible for the importation and distribution of the drugs.”

Police commend multidisciplinary team

Acting national police commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane praised the team involved in the seizure. “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 added: “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”.

What happened next

Authorities said the operation was led by SAPS members attached to OR Tambo and involved collaboration with Customs officials and other agencies as part of efforts to disrupt drug trafficking through the country’s major international entry points.