From suitcases to cargo boxes: R200m cocaine haul lands at OR Tambo – but police were waiting

South African police have seized cocaine with an estimated street value of more than R200 million in two separate operations at OR Tambo International Airport, with investigations underway to identify those responsible.

The seizures were made on Tuesday, 25 August 2026, by SAPS members stationed at the airport, working with other law enforcement agencies, including Customs officials.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the first seizure involved two large travel suitcases intercepted at the airport terminal.

The suitcases contained blocks of suspected cocaine weighing approximately 84 kilograms.

In a separate operation at the airport’s cargo section, law enforcement officials seized four boxes containing approximately 250kg of suspected cocaine, packed into 220 blocks.

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

No arrests have been made in connection with the seizures.

SAPS said investigations were continuing to establish the origin of the consignments and identify those involved in their importation and distribution.

Acting National Commissioner of SAPS Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane commended the multidisciplinary team involved in the interceptions, saying their vigilance was critical in preventing South Africa from being used as a route for illicit drugs.

‘The vigilance of our members at this strategic port of entry ought to be commended,’ Dimpane said.

‘On a monthly basis, we continue to intercept large quantities of drugs and disrupt the activities of drug mules.’

Dimpane said the latest seizures demonstrated law enforcement’s efforts to disrupt international drug trafficking networks.

‘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,’ he said.

He added that police would continue working with other law enforcement agencies to identify and dismantle organised drug trafficking operations.

‘We will continue working with our law enforcement partners to detect, intercept and dismantle drug trafficking networks,’ Dimpane said.

The latest seizures form part of ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to strengthen drug detection and interception at South Africa’s major international entry points.

SAPS said investigations into the two consignments are continuing.