OR Tambo International Airport has emerged as South Africa’s busiest frontline in the fight against international drug trafficking, with publicly announced seizures worth more than R236.8 million so far in 2026.
Between January and early September, authorities seized more than 563kg of drugs at the airport through operations involving SAPS, SARS Customs, ACSA and other law enforcement agencies.
The seizures include large cocaine consignments, khat and smaller amounts carried by suspected drug mules.
Major cocaine busts drive total
One of the biggest interceptions came on 25 August, when authorities seized more than 333kg of cocaine linked to a flight from São Paulo, Brazil.
The shipment included 83.1kg hidden in passenger luggage and another 250kg concealed in unmanifested cargo.
Its estimated value was placed at R167 million, although SAPS said the combined street value exceeded R200 million.
Earlier, on 31 July, police intercepted another 95kg of cocaine worth about R28 million in cargo arriving from Brazil.
Drug mule arrests continue
Individual courier arrests have also continued throughout the year.
On 7 September, police arrested a 45-year-old man allegedly carrying about 2kg of cocaine worth more than R800,000 while travelling to Hong Kong.
That arrest came four days after another South African man was intercepted at the airport with suspected cocaine while also reportedly travelling to Hong Kong.
Other arrests involved Brazilian, Dutch and Somali nationals, while police also seized consignments of khat and crystal methamphetamine.
SAPS has said more than 50 drug mules have been arrested at OR Tambo over the past two years.
Airports remain organised crime targets
While OR Tambo has dominated public announcements involving major seizures, Cape Town International Airport and King Shaka International Airport also remain exposed to organised crime.
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia told Parliament that the three airports collectively recorded 117 narcotics-smuggling cases between the 2023/24 and 2025/26 financial years.
He said major airports and air-cargo facilities face elevated organised crime risks.
Authorities continue using intelligence-led profiling, cargo searches, investigations and tighter access controls as part of efforts to disrupt trafficking networks.