Police seize cocaine worth over R200m at OR Tambo

South African authorities seized about 250 kilograms of cocaine, valued at more than R200 million, at OR Tambo International Airport in a joint operation involving police, SARS Customs and the Border Management Authority, police said. The haul comprised 216 blocks packed in five luggage bags. Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said forensic laboratory experts tested the wrapped packages at the scene and confirmed they contained cocaine. The police account said the seizure was made after a flight from Brazil landed at the airport. National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola commended the agencies involved. In a statement reported by police, he praised the team’s vigilance and professionalism and said the agencies would continue working together to identify and disrupt drug-trafficking operations. Mathe said police had not yet located the person suspected of transporting the cocaine. The reported seizure has not, in itself, established who arranged the shipment or whether investigators have identified others connected to it. Police said 116 suspected drug mules had been arrested at OR Tambo over the preceding 24 months. The total reflects arrests at the airport during that...