25 August 2026 – The South African Revenue Service (SARS), through its Customs and Excise division, today intercepted more than 333kg of cocaine during a targeted enforcement operation conducted at OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) on a flight arriving from Sao Paulo, Brazil. The cocaine has an estimated street value of R167 million.
The operation was executed simultaneously across three critical points of entry processing, namely aircraft baggage off-loading, passenger arrivals baggage screening, and cargo inspections. The coordinated intervention forms part of SARS’ intensified efforts to combat the illicit movement of narcotics and other prohibited goods through South Africa’s ports of entry.
During baggage screening in the international arrivals hall, Customs officials identified two pieces of luggage containing cocaine. A total of 75 bricks, weighing 83.10kg, were found inside the suitcases. The matter was immediately referred to the South African Police Service (SAPS) for further investigation and forensic processing in line with their mandate.
In a separate development, SARS’ narcotics detector dog, Lagertha, reacted positively to four boxes of unmanifested cargo that had been off-loaded from the same flight. The cargo was found to contain 250kg of cocaine. SAPS forensic specialists were called to the scene to secure and process the evidence. The cocaine discovered in both the passenger baggage and cargo consignments carried similar “Air” branding.
SARS Commissioner Dr Johnstone Makhubu says these latest interceptions highlight the effectiveness of SARS’ integrated enforcement model, which combines intelligence gathering, advanced data analytics, risk profiling, technology, and the vigilance of Customs officials deployed across South Africa’s borders.
“This operation demonstrates that SARS is steadily strengthening its capability to detect and disrupt sophisticated smuggling syndicates. The success of today’s enforcement action is the result of intelligence-led operations, the effective use of data and risk analysis, and the unwavering vigilance and diligence of our Customs officers who work around the clock to protect South Africa’s borders and economy.”
“The coordinated interception of cocaine from both passenger baggage and unmanifested cargo on the same flight reflects the value of integrated enforcement. Every successful seizure helps protect communities from the devastating impact of drug trafficking and reinforces the integrity of legitimate trade. I wish to thank all law enforcement agencies for working together to disrupt this drug trafficking. I also extend our appreciation to our international partners for their cooperation in combating transnational organised crime and safeguard South Africa’s borders.”
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