Major cocaine bust: R28 million shipment from Brazil intercepted at OR Tambo

Police seize R28 million cocaine shipment from Brazil at OR Tambo International Airport. Gauteng police haveseized 95 kilograms of cocaine with an estimated street value of R28 millionafter intercepting a cargo shipment that arrived from Brazil at OR Tambo International Airport. The seizure was made on Friday, 31 July 2026, 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 intelligence was acted upon by members of the SAPS Visible Policing Unit stationed at OR Tambo International Airport, working alongside Customs officials and operational staff from Menzies Aviation. Mathe said the cargo arrived on a flight from São Paulo, Brazil, and was intercepted shortly after landing at about 1pm.

A search of the shipment led to the discovery and seizure of 95kg of cocaine in the airport’s cargo section. She added that investigations are continuing to identify those responsible for the attempted smuggling operation and to trace the intended recipients of the drugs. Mathe said the seizure demonstrates the value of intelligence-led operations and cooperation between law enforcement agencies in combating transnational organised crime. “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,” she said.