Tag: drug trafficking

R5.85 million worth of drugs seized on N1 near Beaufort West

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
Swift action following intelligence about a consignment of illicit drugs has resulted in the seizure of drugs worth an estimated R5.85 million on the N1 near Beaufort West.

On Thursday, 10 September 2026, at about 10:40pm, members of the Western Cape Organised Crime Investigations, Crime Intelligence and Beaufort West police conducted an intelligence-driven operation on the N1.

Police intercepted and searched a vehicle, where they discovered 57,000 Mandrax tablets and five kilograms of cocaine.

The 46-year-old driver was arrested and charged with dealing in drugs. He remains in police custody and is expected to appear in the Beaufort West Magistrates' Court on Monday, 14 September.

Western Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Sizakhele Dyantyi praised the police teams for their efforts to prevent illicit drugs from reaching vulnerable communities in the province.

54-year-old man arrested with suspected cocaine at OR Tambo Airport

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
A 54-year-old South African man has been arrested at OR Tambo International Airport after allegedly being found in possession of suspected cocaine while preparing to travel to Hong Kong, China.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) said the arrest on Thursday followed intelligence indicating that a suspect was travelling to Hong Kong.

Police searched the man and his luggage and allegedly discovered suspected cocaine concealed inside the luggage.

“The exact value and weight of the drugs are yet to be determined and will be confirmed in due course,” SAPS said.

The arrest comes a week after police intercepted two separate cocaine consignments at OR Tambo International Airport, with a combined estimated value of R200 million.

SAPS said it remains committed to disrupting drug trafficking networks through intelligence-led operations and targeted interventions at ports of entry.

The suspect is expected to face drug-related charges.

Crackdown leads to R167m cocaine bust at OR Tambo International

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has seized more than 333kg of cocaine worth an estimated R167 million during a targeted operation at OR Tambo International Airport.

The drugs were intercepted on a flight arriving from São Paulo, Brazil, in a coordinated operation covering aircraft baggage offloading, passenger baggage screening and cargo inspections.

Customs officials first discovered two suitcases containing 75 bricks of cocaine weighing 83.10kg in the international arrivals hall. The matter was handed over to the South African Police Service for further investigation and forensic processing.

A SARS narcotics detection dog separately reacted to cargo from the same flight. A subsequent inspection uncovered at least 250kg of additional cocaine.

SARS Commissioner Dr Johnstone Makhubu said the seizure of cocaine from both passenger baggage and unmanifested cargo on the same flight demonstrated the value of integrated, intelligence-led enforcement.

He said the operation highlighted SARS Customs' growing ability to detect and disrupt sophisticated smuggling syndicates through intelligence, data analysis and risk profiling.

Makhubu also thanked law enforcement agencies and international partners for their cooperation in tackling transnational drug trafficking and protecting South Africa's borders and legitimate economy.

SARS said the seizure forms part of intensified efforts to combat the illicit movement of narcotics and other prohibited goods through the country's ports of entry.
Drug bust at OR Tambo Airport

R310,000 Worth of Dagga Seized in Prince Albert Bus Operation

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
SAPS members in the Central Karoo have arrested a 50-year-old woman after dagga worth an estimated R310,000 was discovered aboard a passenger bus in Prince Albert.

The arrest followed a vehicle checkpoint conducted by the Central Karoo Flying Squad along Prince Albert Road at about 06:55 on Saturday, 8 August 2026.

Police stopped and searched a passenger bus, where they discovered a suitcase containing 38.70kg of dagga. The drugs were positively linked to the woman, who was arrested on a charge of dealing in drugs.

She is expected to appear in the Prince Albert Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 11 August 2026.

More than 660 litres of liquor seized

Meanwhile, police operations in the Garden Route District also resulted in the seizure of more than 660 litres of liquor from an unlicensed liquor outlet in De Rust.

Later on Saturday at about 21:10, Dysselsdorp police conducted a sting operation in Dahlia Street, Dysselsdorp, outside Oudtshoorn.

Officers confiscated 62 crates of beer and 20 containers filled with liquor. A 57-year-old woman was arrested for allegedly selling liquor without a licence. She is expected to appear in court once formally charged.

Police target illicit goods

SAPS says the strategic deployment of Flying Squad members along entry and exit routes into the region will continue as part of efforts to prevent illicit drugs and alcohol from entering the province.

The district commissioners commended police members for their vigilance in tackling drug- and alcohol-related offences and working to improve safety in the Central Karoo and Garden Route.

SAPS Seizes R28 Million Cocaine Shipment at OR Tambo International Airport

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has seized 95kg of cocaine worth an estimated R28 million at OR Tambo International Airport in a major drug bust targeting international drug trafficking.

Police said the cocaine was intercepted on Friday during an intelligence-led operation after SAPS Crime Intelligence's Border Integrity Unit received information about a suspected drug shipment.

The operation involved SAPS Visible Policing officers at OR Tambo International Airport, Customs officials and Menzies Aviation staff.

The cocaine was found in cargo that arrived on a flight from São Paulo, Brazil, shortly after 1pm. Officers seized the 95kg shipment before it could leave the airport.

No arrests have been made, but police have launched an investigation to identify and arrest those behind the attempted drug smuggling operation.

SAPS said the successful operation highlights its ongoing efforts to combat organised crime, drug trafficking and cross-border smuggling. Police added that they will continue working with law enforcement partners to protect South Africa's borders and ports of entry from criminal exploitation.
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