27 August 2026

The African National Congress (ANC) Study Group on Police commends the South African Police Service and other law enforcement agencies involved in the successful interception of two major consignments of cocaine at OR Tambo International Airport on Tuesday, 25 August 2026.

The two interceptions resulted in the seizure of approximately 334 kilograms of suspected cocaine, with an estimated street value of more than R200 million. In the first interception, approximately 84kg of suspected cocaine was discovered in two large suitcases at the airport terminal. In the second, approximately 250kg was discovered in four boxes in the airport’s cargo section.

These seizures represent a significant disruption of the illicit drug trade and demonstrate the importance of intelligence-led, coordinated and multidisciplinary law enforcement operations in confronting organised and transnational crime.

The ANC particularly commends the vigilance and professionalism of the law-enforcement officials involved. South Africa’s ports of entry must never be allowed to become gateways for international criminal syndicates seeking to use our country either as a destination or transit route for narcotics.

The ANC recognises that drug trafficking is not a victimless crime. The illicit drug economy fuels drug addiction, gangsterism and violent crime within our communities. The ANC therefore welcomes the continuing investigation to identify those responsible for the two consignments.

The ANC remains committed to keeping our homes and streets safe.

Issued by the Whip of the ANC Study Group on Police, Cde Dikeledi Direko

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