South African customs officials at OR Tambo International Airport intercepted a significant drug shipment, uncovering 47 bricks of compressed cocaine hidden in a luggage bag. The illegal cargo, weighing approximately 50 kilograms and valued at R25 million, was destined for Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), after departing from Sao Paolo, Brazil.
The bag, containing the drugs, was spotted on Friday morning during a routine security check on a carousel. According to the South African Revenue Service (SARS), the unaccompanied bag aroused suspicion due to its peculiar appearance. Upon further inspection, customs officers discovered the bricks of cocaine, which later tested positive for narcotics.
In a statement, SARS emphasised the potential impact of the bust: “These actions are crucial in safeguarding the wellbeing of our citizens, particularly young people who are vulnerable to the dangers posed by drug trafficking.”
Though no arrests have been made yet, SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter warned that drug traffickers are increasingly being brought to justice through a collaborative, inter-agency effort. “This multi-disciplinary approach is yielding results, with more interceptions and arrests in recent months. The battle against drug trafficking is critical to preserving the future of our country’s youth,” Kieswetter noted.
Sao Paolo is notorious for being a high-risk departure point for drug mules transporting cocaine, both in their luggage and within their bodies. In recent weeks, several individuals have been caught smuggling drugs through OR Tambo, often by swallowing cocaine capsules, only to release them under police supervision upon arrival.
Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, spokesperson for the South African Police Service (SAPS), confirmed that investigations into this latest bust are ongoing. “There were no passengers accompanying the bag, and no arrests have been made yet. Our team is diligently following leads to bring those responsible to justice,” Mathe said.
The drugs have since been handed over to the police, who are continuing their investigation into the international smuggling ring behind the shipment.
The surge in drug interceptions at OR Tambo International Airport highlights the growing sophistication of traffickers attempting to use South Africa as a transit hub for narcotics. Authorities are on high alert, as more shipments are being intercepted at the airport. However, the absence of accompanying passengers in this case adds an additional layer of complexity to the investigation.
