Beyond the drug mule: Experts warn of growing criminal networks and local production

The arrest of couriers and seizure of hundreds of kilograms of cocaine may be only the visible edge of South Africa’s drug-trafficking crisis, with security experts warning that organised crime groups could be expanding into local production while exploiting gaps between customs, police, intelligence and border agencies.

Experts have warned that poor enforcement, fragmented intelligence and gaps in border control are allowing international drug-trafficking syndicates to exploit South Africa, with OR Tambo International Airport emerging as the country’s primary frontline against narcotics trafficking.

Earlier this month, IOL reported that from January to September 2026, OR Tambo had recorded the overwhelming majority of major publicly announced drug seizures and arrests involving narcotics couriers.

Intelligence-driven operations involving the SA Police Service (SAPS), SARS Customs, Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) and other law enforcement agencies have resulted in several significant cocaine and khat (a stimulant) seizures.

The latest incident occurred on September 7, when an alleged drug trafficker, 45, was intercepted and arrested at OR Tambo. Police seized approximately 2kg of cocaine with an estimated street value of more than R800,000.

He was the second alleged drug mule arrested within four days, following the arrest of a 54-year-old South African man at the same airport.

On August 25, authorities intercepted more than 333kg of cocaine arriving from São Paulo, Brazil. The shipment included 83.1kg concealed in passenger luggage and 250kg hidden in unmanifested cargo. SARS valued the seizure at more than R167 million, while SAPS placed the combined street value at more than R200 million.

On July 31, SAPS intercepted another 95kg of cocaine worth about R28 million in cargo arriving from Brazil.

Other arrests included a Brazilian national caught with cocaine worth R8.7 million, a South African woman allegedly travelling to Hong Kong with cocaine and crystal methamphetamine worth more than R500,000, and Dutch and Somali nationals intercepted with khat.

Based on publicly announced SAPS and SARS operations from January 1 to September 8, authorities had seized at least 563kg of narcotics at OR Tambo , with an estimated value exceeding R236.8 million.

In response to questions from IOL , SARS Customs said it works with law enforcement and border-management partners to detect and prevent the cross-border movement of illicit goods.

“It also uses a range of initiatives that form part of SARS' broader mandate to protect South Africa's borders, facilitate legitimate trade and support efforts to combat illicit economic activity.”

SARS declined to disclose what intelligence it has on criminal networks involved in importing drugs, manufacturing equipment and precursor chemicals.

“To protect the integrity of its operations, SARS does not disclose its risk assessment methods, intelligence capabilities, enforcement strategies, or information relating to ongoing investigations and suspected criminal networks.”