The South African Police Service (SAPS) have seized 95 kilograms of cocaine worth an estimate of R28 million after intercepting a cargo shipment that arrived from Brazil at OR Tambo International airport.
The drug bust took place on Friday during an intelligence-driven operation involving the South African Police Service (SAPS), Customs officials and Menzies Aviation personnel.
SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the operation was launched after the Crime Intelligence Border Integrity Unit received information about a suspected drug consignment destined for South Africa.
“The SAPS remains committed to disrupting organised criminal networks involved in the illicit drug trade and will continue working with its law enforcement partners to ensure that South Africa’s borders and ports of entry are protected from criminal exploitation,” Mathe said.
“The information was operationalised by members of the SAPS Visible Policing Unit at OR Tambo International Airport, in collaboration with Customs officials and Menzies Aviation operational members.”
“The cargo, which had arrived on a flight from São Paulo, Brazil, was intercepted immediately upon arrival at approximately 1pm. The 95 kilograms of cocaine were seized at the cargo section of OR Tambo International Airport,” the police said.
No arrests have been made at this stage. Investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend those involved in the attempted smuggling operation.
“The SAPS remains committed to disrupting organised criminal networks involved in the illicit drug trade and will continue working with its law enforcement partners to ensure that South Africa’s borders and ports of entry are protected from criminal exploitation,” the police said.
