A Brazilian national has been arrested at OR Tambo International Airport after police intercepted cocaine worth an estimated R8.7 million hidden in luggage.
The arrest was made on Sunday afternoon when police, acting on intelligence, searched the 26-year-old suspect’s bags shortly after his arrival from Brazil.
During the inspection, officers discovered multiple blocks of cocaine carefully wrapped and concealed inside his luggage.
According to authorities, the operation forms part of ongoing intelligence-driven interventions aimed at disrupting international drug syndicates that continue to target South Africa as a transit and destination hub.
SAPS national spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the interception is part of a broader enforcement strategy at major entry points.
“The interception of drug traffickers has gone a long way in disrupting the supply of illicit drugs and strengthening the fight against organised crime.”
Mathe confirmed that the suspect, who was arrested on arrival, is expected to appear in court later this week.
“The 26-year-old transgender suspect was apprehended upon arrival on Sunday afternoon from Brazil after police, acting on intelligence, conducted a search of the suspects luggage.”
She said the discovery was made after officers subjected the luggage to a targeted search, which led to the recovery of the concealed narcotics.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrate's Court on Tuesday, 28 April, facing charges of drug trafficking.
Police say OR Tambo International Airport has in recent months recorded a string of similar drug interceptions, pointing to intensified enforcement at South Africa’s busiest port of entry. In a separate high-profile case previously reported, five South African women were arrested at the airport with drugs worth more than R5 million concealed on their bodies and are facing ongoing court proceedings linked to international trafficking routes.
Authorities say the repeated arrests highlight how organised syndicates continue to exploit air travel corridors, with drugs frequently concealed in luggage and on the bodies of suspects attempting to move illicit consignments through Johannesburg.
Police have maintained that these intelligence-led operations are part of a broader effort to disrupt transnational drug networks operating through major transport hubs.
Previously, two of the five South African women arrested were granted bail of R15,000 each, while the remaining accused remain in custody as proceedings continue. The matter is still being heard at the Kempton Park Magistrate's Court.
The Star