The South African Police Service (SAPS) has seized cocaine worth more than R200 million at OR Tambo International Airport, while a separate intelligence-driven operation in Gqeberha led to the seizure of drugs worth more than R9.7 million and the arrest of a 38-year-old suspect.
The two operations form part of ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to disrupt drug trafficking networks and prevent illicit substances from entering communities through South Africa’s transport and distribution routes.
National police commissioner General Fannie Masemola commended a multidisciplinary team comprising the SAPS, South African Revenue Service (SARS) Customs and the Border Management Authority (BMA) for the cocaine seizure at the country’s busiest international airport.
According to the SAPS, officers intercepted five luggage bags containing 216 blocks of cocaine weighing approximately 250kg.
The drugs have an estimated street value of more than R200 million.
The seizure highlights the continued efforts by law enforcement agencies to detect drug trafficking activities at ports of entry and disrupt criminal networks using South Africa as a transit point for illicit substances.
Masemola praised the officers for their vigilance and professionalism, saying the police would continue working with law enforcement partners to identify and dismantle drug trafficking operations.
The SAPS said the successful interception demonstrated the importance of coordinated operations between different law enforcement agencies in strengthening border security.
The seizure comes amid sustained efforts to clamp down on drug trafficking through OR Tambo International Airport.
Over the past 24 months, a total of 116 drug mules have been arrested at the airport, according to the police.
The arrests point to continued attempts to transport illicit drugs through the country’s busiest international aviation hub.
The SAPS said it remained committed to working with SARS Customs, the BMA and other stakeholders to strengthen border controls, disrupt organised criminal networks and ensure those involved in the illicit drug trade are brought to justice.
R9.7m drug seizure in Gqeberha
Meanwhile, an intelligence-driven operation in Gqeberha resulted in the seizure of drugs worth more than R9.7 million and the arrest of a 38-year-old suspect.
The operation was conducted on Saturday, 24 October, by the SAPS National Organised Crime Intervention team targeting violent organised crime.
Police said the team acted on intelligence and executed a search warrant at an identified address in Rowallan Park.
During the operation, officers found a suspect inside a vehicle parked in the garage at the premises.
A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of various substances suspected to be mandrax, cocaine and tik.
Police also seized drug-packaging materials and cash believed to be proceeds of crime.
The SAPS said the suspected drugs would undergo forensic analysis to establish their exact composition.
The 38-year-old suspect was expected to appear before the Gqeberha Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 26 October, to face drug-related charges.
Investigations into the matter are continuing.
The operation was conducted under Operation Ukubuza, an initiative targeting organised criminal activity.
Police spokesperson Colonel Amanda van Wyk said the SAPS would continue intensifying operations aimed at dismantling organised criminal networks and disrupting the illicit drug trade, which threatens the safety and well-being of communities.
The two seizures highlight the scale of suspected drug trafficking activity being targeted by police and their law enforcement partners, from international entry points to residential properties.
While the cocaine seizure at OR Tambo involved a multidisciplinary team working to intercept a major consignment, the Gqeberha operation focused on suspected drugs found at a property in Rowallan Park.
The SAPS has reiterated its commitment to strengthening cooperation with other agencies to prevent drug trafficking and hold those involved accountable.
