More than R200 million worth of suspected cocaine has been seized in two separate interceptions at OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA).

The seizures were made on Tuesday, August 25, by SAPS members attached to ORTIA, working with other law enforcement authorities, including Customs officials.

“In the first incident, two large travel suitcases were intercepted at the airport terminal. The suitcases contained blocks of suspected cocaine weighing approximately 84kg,” said SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe.

She added that in a separate interception at the airport’s cargo section, four boxes containing approximately 250kg of suspected cocaine were seized. The drugs were packed into 220 blocks.

The combined estimated street value of the seized cocaine is more than R200 million.

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“No arrests have been made at this stage, and investigations are underway to identify and apprehend those responsible for the importation and distribution of the drugs.”

Acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, commended the multidisciplinary team involved in the interceptions.

“The vigilance of our members at this strategic port of entry ought to be commended. On a monthly basis, we continue to intercept large quantities of drugs and disrupt the activities of drug mules.

“These successes send a strong message that we will not allow South Africa to be used as a transit point or market for illicit drugs.

“We will continue working with our law enforcement partners to detect, intercept and dismantle drug trafficking networks,” said Dimpane.