Johannesburg:The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola, has praised a multidisciplinary team for a successful operation that intercepted five luggage bags containing 216 blocks of cocaine. The cocaine, weighing approximately 250 kilograms, has an estimated street value of more than R200 million and was seized at OR Tambo International Airport.
According to South African Government News Agency, the operation was carried out by a team comprising the SAPS, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) Customs, and the Border Management Authority (BMA). This significant seizure underscores the effectiveness of coordinated law enforcement efforts and the commitment of officers to disrupt drug trafficking networks using South Africa's ports of entry.
General Masemola lauded the team for their vigilance and professionalism, highlighting the SAPS's ongoing collaboration with law enforcement partners to identify, intercept, and dismantle drug trafficking operations. The seizure is part of sustained efforts by law enforcement agencies to crack down on drug trafficking through the country's busiest international airport.
Over the past 24 months, 116 drug mules have been arrested at OR Tambo International Airport, illustrating the continued efforts by authorities to detect and prevent the transportation of illicit drugs through South Africa's borders. The SAPS reiterated its commitment to working with SARS Customs, the BMA, and other stakeholders to strengthen border security and ensure that those involved in the illicit drug trade are brought to justice.