Police at OR Tambo International Airport arrested a Brazilian drug trafficker after intercepting cocaine with an estimated street value of R8.7m on April 26.

According to national police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, the 26-year-old suspect was apprehended upon arrival from Brazil on the afternoon of April 26.

A Brazilian drug trafficker has been arrested at OR Tambo International Airport after police uncovered cocaine concealed in baggage during an intelligence-led operation.

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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 his luggage,” said Mathe.

This arrest forms part of ongoing intelligence-driven operations targeting transnational drug trafficking networks operating through South Africa’s largest port of entry.

Police at OR Tambo have in recent months recorded several successes in intercepting drug traffickers attempting to smuggle narcotics into the country.

“The interception of drug traffickers has gone a long way in disrupting the supply of illicit drugs and strengthening the fight against organised crime,” said Mathe.