Big Drug Bust At OR Tambo: Cocaine Worth R25 Million Abandoned In Suitcase
- Law enforcement seized cocaine worth an estimated R25 million abandoned at OR Tambo International Airport
- A massive suitcase filled with 47 cocaine bricks weighing about 50kg was discovered left unattended on the baggage carousel
- Even though no suspects were arrested, the latest drug bust adds to the 14 mules caught in recent weeks

JOHANNESBURG — Picture this: another major drug bust at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, where law enforcement officials seized cocaine worth an estimated R25 million. This is not just a routine bust; it's a massive operation involving customs officials, the South African Police Service (SAPS), and Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) staff working together to keep illegal substances off our streets.
Now, here's the kicker: this cocaine wasn’t hidden in some secret compartment or cleverly disguised. Nope, it was boldly packed into 47 bricks and left sitting unclaimed on the baggage carousel. That’s right, 47 bricks of cocaine, weighing in at a whopping 50kg. It’s almost like the smugglers thought they could just walk away and no one would notice. Not a chance!
Huge Cocaine Haul Worth R25 Million Found at OR Tambo
The contraband was discovered in a large suitcase on the baggage carousel, destined for a connecting flight from Brazil to Kinshasa. But here's the twist—there were no passengers to claim the bag. The smugglers must've thought they could pull a fast one, but the police were onto them. South African Revenue Service (SARS) Commissioner Edward Kieswetter has announced that an investigation is underway to track down whoever left this mysterious package behind.
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This latest seizure is part of a growing trend of drug busts at OR Tambo. In just the past few weeks, authorities have arrested 14 drug mules trying to smuggle all sorts of illegal substances into the country. It’s clear that law enforcement is stepping up their game, and they’re not letting anyone slip through the cracks.
Recent Arrests at OR Tambo: 14 Mules Nabbed
Just last month, cops made headlines when they arrested three traffickers, including two Dutch nationals caught with 80kg of khat, a plant that contains cathinone—a Schedule I drug under the Medicines and Controlled Substances Act. The third suspect, a Paraguayan man, was also detained after flying in from São Paulo. He’s now facing charges and is being held in custody. It’s a stark reminder that no matter how clever smugglers think they are, they can’t outsmart the authorities.
Young Woman Swallows 110 Drug Bullets
In a related story, a 21-year-old South African woman was arrested at OR Tambo after arriving from São Paulo. This wasn’t your typical drug bust—this young woman had swallowed an astonishing 110 drug bullets in an attempt to smuggle them into the country. She was immediately taken to a nearby hospital, where X-rays confirmed her desperate attempt to evade detection. It’s a dangerous game these smugglers are playing, but law enforcement is determined to stop them in their tracks.
Nigerian Man Arrested After Handing Over Headphones
In yet another twist, a Nigerian man was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport after he was spotted handing over airline headphones to a cleaner. This might sound innocent enough, but authorities weren’t taking any chances. The man had just disembarked from a flight from Brazil, and his suspicious behavior raised red flags. It’s a reminder that even the smallest actions can lead to big discoveries. The fight against drug smuggling is ongoing, and the authorities at OR Tambo are proving that they’re up to the challenge.


