South African police intercepted 95 kilogrammes of cocaine valued at an estimated R28 million (about $1.7 million) at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg at the weekend, shortly after the illicit drugs arrived on a flight from Brazil.
South African Police Service said in a statement on Monday that the seizure followed an intelligence-driven operation launched on Friday after information was received that the drugs were on their way to South Africa.
“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 statement said.
The cocaine was seized at the cargo section of the airport immediately after the consignment’s arrival.
Police said no arrests had been made by the time the operation was reported and investigations were continuing to identify and apprehend the individuals behind the attempted smuggling.
Drug trafficking remains one of South Africa’s most persistent organised crime challenges, with illicit drugs regularly exploited through major airports and cargo routes to supply both local markets and onward distribution networks.
Police have said they will continue working with partner agencies to disrupt trafficking operations and protect border entry points from exploitation.
JN/APA