PICS | Cocaine worth more than R200m seized at OR Tambo Airport

A joint law enforcement operation at OR Tambo International Airport has resulted in the seizure of more than 330kg of suspected cocaine worth an estimated R200 million.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) and other law enforcement authorities have seized cocaine worth an estimated R200 million at OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) after intercepting two separate consignments.

The operation was led by SAPS members attached to ORTIA, working with other law enforcement authorities, including Customs officials, who intercepted the two consignments of cocaine.

National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said two large travel suitcases were intercepted at the airport terminal during the first incident.

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

Law enforcement authorities have intercepted two cocaine consignments at OR Tambo International Airport, including drugs found in passenger luggage and unmanifested cargo.

She said that, in a separate interception at the cargo section, four boxes containing approximately 250 kilograms of suspected cocaine, packed into 220 blocks, were seized.

“The combined estimated street value of the seized cocaine is more than R200 million.”

“Investigations are underway to identify and apprehend those responsible for the importation and distribution of the drugs.”

Meanwhile, acting national police commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane commended the multidisciplinary team for its vigilance and continued efforts to disrupt drug trafficking through the country's major international entry points.

Authorities have intercepted two consignments of suspected cocaine at OR Tambo International Airport, with the combined haul estimated to be worth more than R200 million.

“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.”

“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", Dimpane added.