OR Tambo drug bust: Cocaine worth millions found in passenger’s luggage
A Brazilian man was intercepted at OR Tambo International Airport with 10kg of cocaine. Authorities suspect the man is linked to a broader trafficking network.
A 25-year-old Brazilian national was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport on Tuesday, July 29, after being found in possession of cocaine with an estimated street value of R4.2 million.
The suspect had arrived from São Paulo, Brazil, via Doha, Qatar.
Acting on intelligence, a multidisciplinary team comprising members of the Crime Intelligence Counter Narcotics Unit (Gauteng), ORTIA SAPS Tactical Team, the Border Management Authority (BMA), and private security partners intercepted the suspect shortly after the airplane had landed.
During a search of the suspect’s luggage, authorities uncovered approximately 10kg of cocaine concealed in their belongings.
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The suspect was also taken for a medical examination to determine whether they had ingested any drug-filled pellets.
Police said this arrest marks yet another breakthrough in ongoing efforts to dismantle transnational drug trafficking networks operating through South African ports of entry.
Since the beginning of the year, more than 25 suspected drug traffickers have been arrested at OR Tambo as part of ongoing intelligence-driven operations.
