Forty-seven bricks of compressed cocaine, weighing approximately 50kg, were found during the combined operation in an unaccompanied bag on a carousel.
THE SOUTH African Police Service (SAPS) continues its efforts to prevent narcotics from reaching the wrong hands, recently uncovering cocaine worth R25 million at OR Tambo International Airport.
A vigilant Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) employee spotted a suspicious bag on Saturday and alerted the South African Revenue Service (SARS) customs officers, who then notified the SAPS.
Forty-seven bricks of compressed cocaine, weighing approximately 50kg, were found during the combined operation.
The bags were placed inside a luggage carousel for a trip from São Paulo, Brazil, to Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
No arrests have been made, and investigations are still ongoing.
“A joint operation involving ACSA staff, SARS customs and SAPS have led to the discovery of cocaine valued at R25 million at the OR Tambo International Airport. The cocaine was found in an unaccompanied bag on a carousel for a flight from São Paulo,” said national police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe.
According to a media statement from SARS, the SAPS will now look into the case.
SARS said São Paulo in Brazil is a high-risk departure point for drug mules, accompanied as well as unaccompanied luggage containing cocaine. There have been several busts of drug mules at OR Tambo International Airport in recent weeks.
SARS commissioner, Edward Kieswetter, warned those involved in drug trafficking that an inter-agency approach is being implemented to bring them to book.
Kieswetter said SARS customs, the Border Management Authority (BMA), the ACSA, the SAPS, and the Home Affairs Department were working to safeguard citizens from the scourge of narcotics.
“This multidisciplinary approach is having palpable results demonstrated by arrests and interceptions recently.
“Through these actions, we are protecting the well-being of our citizens, especially young people who are our future,” said Kieswetter.
Currently, police have nabbed 14 drug mules at OR Tambo International Airport in two months.
Among those arrested were a South African woman aged 21, a Namibian woman aged 31, a Nigerian man, a Paraguayan aged 43, two Dutch nationals, and others.
On Friday, national police commissioner General Fannie Masemola, during the launch of the 2024/2025 National Safer Festive Season Operations in Mamelodi, Tshwane, said police were prioritising the fight against drugs.
“The illicit economy is a crime trend that we will work hard to clamp down on.
“Our campaign to combat illicit drug trafficking, illicit mining, illicit and counterfeit goods continues unabated,” said Masemola.
Cape Times