A 25-year-old drug trafficker was arrested on arrival from São Paulo (Brazil) via Doha (Qatar) at OR Tambo International Airport on Tuesday, 29 July 2025.
Acting on intelligence, a team comprising Crime Intelligence Counter Narcotics Intel Gauteng, ORTIA SAPS Tactical Team, Border Management Authority (BMA), and private security successfully identified and intercepted the Brazilian national shortly after landing.
A search of the trafficker's luggage led police to uncover about 10kg of cocaine with an estimate value of R4.2 million.
The trafficker was also taken for a medical examination to determine whether cocaine-filled bullets were swallowed.
SAPS continues to record commendable successes in dismantling transnational drug syndicates operating between South Africa and other countries.
Through targeted intelligence-led operations, more than 25 drug traffickers were arrested since the beginning of the year at this port of entry.