Authorities at OR Tambo International Airport have intercepted a shipment of cocaine valued at R16 million, marking the second major drug bust at the airport in a week.
OR Tambo Airport customs intercept second cocaine smuggling attempt this week
According to police spokesperson Colonel Amanda van Wyk, the latest seizure was made on Tuesday, 4 March 2025, when customs officials detected illicit cargo concealed in boxes disguised as hair products.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the cocaine was en route from São Paulo, Brazil, to France via South Africa.
The narcotics were seized before they could leave the country, and police are now working to identify the individuals behind the smuggling attempt.
“Investigations are ongoing, and no arrests have been made at this stage,” van Wyk said.
This incident comes just a day after police arrested a Nigerian national attempting to smuggle cocaine bullets inside his body.
The suspect, who also arrived from São Paulo, Brazil, was flagged during security checks and later found to have ingested multiple drug-filled pellets.
He remains under medical supervision while authorities wait for the pellets to pass through his system. Once cleared, he will face drug trafficking charges at the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court next week.
OR Tambo International Airport has long been identified as a key entry and transit point for drug syndicates moving narcotics from South America to Africa and beyond.
Over the years, authorities have intensified border security measures to crack down on smugglers.
Why Brazil is a crucial role player in the movement of cocaine around the world
Brazil remains one of the biggest transit hubs for the global cocaine trade, second only to Colombia. While Brazil is not a cocaine producer, it serves as a major export point for drug cartels, particularly for shipments destined for Africa, Europe, and Asia.
A 2023 report by Proinde.br highlighted Brazil’s increasing involvement in international drug trafficking, revealing that:
- 70% to 90% of all South American cocaine crosses the ocean before reaching buyers.
- Brazilian ports have become crucial exit points due to the country’s long coastline and extensive inland waterways.
- The proportion of cocaine seizures in maritime shipments has surged in recent years, pointing to a shift in how traffickers move narcotics.
- Stronger intelligence-sharing efforts between Brazilian and international law enforcement agencies have led to more frequent interceptions.
Despite stepped-up law enforcement efforts, the lucrative cocaine trade continues to grow, driven by rising demand and improved trafficking tactics.