Police at OR Tambo International Airport had a busy Freedom Day long weekend, notching up two big drug busts in less than 24 hours.
In the first operation, police arrested a Brazilian drug trafficker following the interception of cocaine with an estimated street value of R8.7 million.
The 26-year-old suspect was apprehended upon arrival from Brazil on Sunday, after police, acting on intelligence, conducted a search of the suspect’s luggage.
During the search, members discovered multiple blocks of cocaine wrapped and concealed inside the person’s luggage.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court today, 28 April 2026, on charges of drug trafficking.
Less than 24 hours later, police arrested a man from the Netherlands, who was about to board a flight to London.
Officials searched his luggage and found 60kg of Khat concealed inside. He will also appear in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court soon.
The police’s Athlenda Mathe says these latest arrests demonstrate the vigilance and heightened operations by SAPS working closely with ACSA security, BMA officials, and SARS customs at ports of entry.
“The back-to-back successes in intercepting drug traffickers underscore the country’s firm stance against transnational organised crime and law enforcement’s commitment to safeguarding South Africa’s borders. SAPS will continue to intensify its efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks and ensure that those involved face the full might of the law.”
Police at OR Tambo International Airport have, in recent months, recorded several successes in intercepting drug traffickers attempting to smuggle narcotics into the country.
