The OR Tambo cocaine bust has seen police seize drugs worth more than R200 million.

Police found 216 blocks of cocaine packed into five luggage bags.

The drugs had arrived on a flight from Brazil.

But police are still searching for the person who brought them in.

National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has commended the team behind the seizure.

According to national police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, Masemola views the seizure as a testament to the effectiveness of coordinated law enforcement efforts and the commitment of frontline officers.

WHAT POLICE FOUND

A multidisciplinary team intercepted approximately 250kg of cocaine at OR Tambo International Airport on Sunday, 25 October.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the drugs were packed into 216 blocks across five luggage bags, with an estimated street value of more than R200 million.

The bags arrived on a flight from São Paulo, Brazil, which landed that afternoon.

#ICYMI Gauteng police have intercepted more than R200 million worth of cocaine at the OR Tambo International Airport. According to police, the drugs landed at the airport on a flight from Sao Paolo, Brazil. https://t.co/VVwtUT1Po9 pic.twitter.com/wGlJqxjpZo

— SABC News (@SABCNews) October 26, 2026
‘THEY CONFIRMED IT TESTED POSITIVE FOR COCAINE’

Mathe said forensic experts tested the packages at the scene.

First, Mathe confirmed the size of the haul.

“We can confirm that we have seized 216 blocks of cocaine. We already confirmed that they are cocaine,” she said.

In addition, forensic experts tested the packages at the scene.

“We had our forensic science laboratory experts who were on the scene and already tested what was in the wrapped packages, and they confirmed it tested positive for cocaine,” Mathe explained.

As a result, police could confirm the haul’s estimated value.

“So, what you see is worth an estimated value of more than R200 million,” she said.

So, what you see is worth an estimated value of more than R200 million.”

WATCH | Police have seized cocaine worth over R200 million at OR Tambo International Airport. SAPS spokesperson Athlenda Mathe says the flight landed this afternoon, and bags containing the drugs were intercepted. pic.twitter.com/kxNRUnLSrg

— SABC News (@SABCNews) October 25, 2026
THE HUNT FOR THE SUSPECT

Police have not yet located the person responsible for transporting the cocaine.

An investigation is under way.

A JOINT OPERATION

The seizure involved SAPS, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) Customs and the Border Management Authority.

Mathe said SAPS remains committed to working with SARS Customs, the BMA and other stakeholders to strengthen border security and disrupt organised criminal networks.

THE SECOND MAJOR BUST IN TWO MONTHS

It’s not the first time OR Tambo has seen a cocaine haul of this size.

On Tuesday, 25 August, police and customs officials intercepted two separate cocaine consignments at the airport, hidden in suitcases and cargo boxes, with a combined estimated value of R200 million.

Mathe said authorities have arrested 116 suspected drug mules at the airport over the past 24 months.

The latest bust also came a day after police in Gqeberha seized drugs worth an estimated R9.7 million in an intelligence-driven operation.

CAN YOU HELP POLICE?

Anyone with information can contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or use the MySAPS App.

WHAT MORE SHOULD BE DONE TO STOP DRUG SMUGGLING THROUGH SOUTH AFRICA’S AIRPORTS?

Let us know in the comments below…