SAPS arrests suspected drug mule with cocaine at OR Tambo

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has arrested a 54-year-old South African man suspected of being a drug mule and seized suspected cocaine at OR Tambo International Airport.

The suspect was arrested on Thursday morning, 3 September 2026, after police acted

on intelligence indicating that he was allegedly en route to Hong Kong, China.

A search of the suspect and his luggage led to the discovery of suspected cocaine concealed inside the luggage.

Police said the exact weight and street value of the drugs had not yet been determined and would be confirmed once the substance had been processed.

The suspect is expected to appear in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 4 September, where he is expected to face drug trafficking-related charges.

The arrest comes just a week after police intercepted two separate cocaine consignments at the same airport, with a combined estimated value of R200 million.

SAPS said it remained committed to disrupting and dismantling drug trafficking networks through intelligence-led operations and targeted interventions at South Africa’s ports of entry.