SARS Seized Coca!ne Worth R25 Million At OR Tambo Airport
R25 Million Coca!ne Bust at OR Tambo Airport in Major Drug Operation
A joint operation at OR Tambo International Airport led to the discovery of cocaine worth millions on Friday morning.
The collaborative effort involved the staff of the Airport Company South Africa, SARS Customs, and the South African Police Service (SAPS).
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A joint operation involving ACSA staff,SARS Customs & SAPS has led to the discovery of R25 million worth of cocaine at the OR TAMBO International Airport. The cocaine was found in an unaccompanied bag on a carousel for a flight from São Paulo. No arrests, investigations underway pic.twitter.com/a8owAzq9HA
— Athlenda Mathe (@AthlendaM) October 11, 2024
Cocaine Headed to DRC
SARS officials uncovered 47 bricks of compressed cocaine, estimated at a street value of R25 million.
The drugs, weighing about 50 kg, were packed in a luggage bag on a flight from São Paulo, Brazil, destined for Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Customs officers spotted the suspicious bag on the carousel and inspected it, finding objects that tested positive for narcotics.
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No passengers were linked to the bag, and no arrests were made. The investigation has been handed over to the SAPS.
SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter emphasized the success of their inter-agency efforts in combating drug trafficking.
He stated, “This multi-disciplinary approach is yielding results, and we are committed to protecting the wellbeing of our citizens, especially the youth.”
Investigation Ongoing
Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that while no arrests have been made, investigations are ongoing.
São Paulo is known as a high-risk point for drug trafficking, and OR Tambo has seen multiple recent busts of drug mules, some of whom had ingested cocaine tablets to transport the drugs.
