116 Drug Mules Busted at OR Tambo Airport in 2 Years, Police Reveal

• Police have disclosed the total number of drug mule arrests made at OR Tambo International Airport over the past two years
• A major cocaine seizure at the Johannesburg airport on Sunday prompted authorities to release the cumulative arrest figures
• A multidisciplinary team involving SAPS, border officials and customs played a central role in the latest operation

SOUTH AFRICA - Police have arrested 116 suspected drug mules at OR Tambo International Airport over the past 24 months, highlighting the ongoing fight against drug trafficking in South Africa.

SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe shared the figure following the seizure of 216 blocks of cocaine at the Johannesburg airport on Sunday, 25 October 2026. The cocaine, found in five luggage bags, weighed approximately 250kg and was estimated to be worth more than R200 million.

The operation involved members of the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Border Management Authority (BMA) and customs officials.

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Police seize cocaine worth millions at OR Tambo

The latest bust highlights the continued efforts by law enforcement agencies to prevent illegal drugs from entering or passing through the country.

Mathe said the 116 drug mules had been arrested at the airport over the past two years as authorities intensified efforts to detect and stop drug trafficking.

National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola commended the multidisciplinary team involved in the latest operation for its vigilance and professionalism.

The seizure forms part of ongoing efforts to disrupt organised criminal networks involved in the illegal drug trade and strengthen security at South Africa's borders.

See X post on the drug bust here:

Brazilian nabbed with R8,7 million cocaine

In similar news, police at OR Tambo International Airport arrested a 26-year-old Brazilian national after intercepting cocaine with an estimated street value of R8.7 million. The transgender suspect was apprehended on Sunday afternoon shortly after arriving on a flight from Brazil. Authorities acted on intelligence and conducted a targeted search of the suspect’s luggage.

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Five South Africans arrested

Previously, Briefly News reported that five South African women were dramatically intercepted at OR Tambo International Airport after police uncovered a high-stakes drug smuggling operation involving substances worth over R5 million. The suspects, believed to be en route to China via Dubai, were arrested on Saturday, 28 March 2026, following a targeted operation by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in collaboration with Airports Company South Africa (ACSA)SAPS stated that investigations into the matter are ongoing.

Source: Briefly News