SARS Seizes Over 333kg of Cocaine Worth R167 Million at OR Tambo Airport
SARS Customs officials seize over 333kg of cocaine worth R167 million at OR Tambo Airport in South Africa, including 250kg found in unmanifested cargo.
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has successfully intercepted a significant quantity of cocaine, totaling over 333kg and valued at an estimated R167 million, at OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA). This substantial drug bust was a result of targeted operations conducted by SARS Customs and Excise officials on a flight arriving from São Paulo, Brazil.
During the operation, customs officials meticulously screened passengers in the international arrivals hall. This process led to the identification of two suspicious pieces of luggage.
Upon inspection, these bags were found to contain 75 bricks of cocaine, with a combined weight of 83.10kg. This initial discovery was subsequently handed over to the South African Police Service (SAPS) for comprehensive investigation and forensic processing.
In a separate yet potentially linked incident, a SARS narcotics detector dog named Lagertha played a crucial role. Lagertha alerted officers to four boxes of unmanifested cargo that had been off-loaded from the very same flight.
A thorough search of these boxes revealed an additional 250kg of cocaine. SAPS forensic specialists were called to process the scene and secure this further evidence.
SARS noted a critical detail linking both consignments as the cocaine found in both the passenger luggage and the cargo bore similar “Air” branding. This suggests a plausible connection between the two seizures, indicating a more coordinated smuggling attempt.
This successful operation underscores SARS's intensified commitment to combating narcotics and other prohibited goods from entering South Africa through its various ports of entry. The strategy employed involved operations across three critical areas: aircraft baggage off-loading, comprehensive passenger baggage screening, and rigorous cargo inspections.
Dr. Johnstone Makhubu, the SARS Commissioner, highlighted the efficacy of their approach, stating that the seizure powerfully demonstrates the value of integrating intelligence gathering, advanced data analytics, sophisticated risk profiling, cutting-edge technology, and the diligent work of dedicated Customs officials.
He further emphasized SARS's ongoing efforts to enhance its capabilities in identifying and effectively disrupting sophisticated drug-smuggling networks.