A major cocaine shipment worth more than R200 million has been intercepted at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.
According to TimesLIVE, authorities found 216 blocks of cocaine packed inside five luggage bags on Sunday. The drugs weighed about 250kg.
SABC News reports that the luggage arrived on a flight from São Paulo, Brazil. National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said forensic experts tested the packages at the airport and confirmed that they contained cocaine.
Multidisciplinary Team Makes Seizure
The operation involved the South African Police Service, SARS Customs and the Border Management Authority.
National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola praised the multidisciplinary team for the seizure, saying coordinated enforcement remained important in disrupting drug trafficking networks using South Africa’s ports of entry.
Police said the estimated street value of the drugs was more than R200 million.
At the time of reporting, authorities had not located the person believed to have transported the luggage, according to SABC News.
OR Tambo Remains a Key Focus
The seizure comes amid sustained law-enforcement operations at South Africa’s busiest international airport.
Police told TimesLIVE that 116 alleged drug mules have been arrested at OR Tambo over the past 24 months.
Authorities have also made other large cocaine seizures at the airport this year.
In August, SARS announced that Customs officials had intercepted more than 333kg of cocaine on another flight arriving from São Paulo. That shipment was valued at more than R167 million.
Investigation Continues
Police say the latest operation forms part of efforts to strengthen border security and disrupt organised drug trafficking.
SAPS, SARS Customs and the BMA have pledged to continue working together to identify and dismantle networks moving illicit drugs through South African ports of entry.
The investigation into the latest shipment is ongoing, with authorities still working to establish who was responsible for transporting the cocaine and its intended destination after arriving in Johannesburg.