The cocaine, valued at an estimated R167 million, was intercepted in passenger baggage and unmanifested cargo arriving from São Paulo, Brazil
On Tuesday, August 25, the South African Revenue Service (SARS), through its Customs and Excise division, seized more than 333kg of cocaine during a targeted enforcement operation conducted at OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA). It is reported that the drugs with an estimation street value of R167 million were intercepted from a flight arriving from Sao Paulo, Brazil.
The operation was executed simultaneously across three critical points of entry processing, namely aircraft baggage off-loading, passenger arrivals baggage screening, and cargo inspections. SARS says during baggage screening in the international arrivals hall, their officials identified two pieces of luggage containing cocaine. A total of 75 bricks, weighing 83.10kg, were found inside the suitcases.
In another incident, 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.
The two seizures brought the total amount of cocaine intercepted from the flight to more than 333kg.
SARS Commissioner Dr Johnstone Makhubu said the interceptions demonstrated the role of intelligence, data analysis and risk profiling in identifying potential smuggling attempts at the country’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.”
He said finding cocaine in both passenger baggage and unmanifested cargo on the same flight also showed the importance of coordinating enforcement across different points of entry processing.
“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.”
The latest seizure highlights the role of Customs screening and cargo controls in identifying illicit consignments moving through one of South Africa’s busiest international airports.
SAPS will continue with the investigation into the seized cocaine and those responsible for transporting it. No arrests have been made so far.