The SAPS reported the arrest of a 39-year-old Brazilian national who had arrived from São Paulo and was in transit to Benin. The suspect was stopped by law enforcement officials during routine profiling. A body search revealed cocaine with an estimated street value of R1.4 million concealed and strapped around his legs. He has since been arrested and is expected to appear in the Kempton Park Magistrates Court on charges of drug trafficking.

This successful interception is part of a broader SAPS-led crackdown on drug-related crimes at key entry points into the country. From January to March 2025, SAPS has arrested over 23,000 individuals for drug possession and more than 3,400 for drug dealing, including multiple cases at O.R. Tambo International Airport involving traffickers attempting to smuggle narcotics into South Africa.

ACSA supports these targeted operations and remains committed to working closely with law enforcement agencies to safeguard all passengers, personnel, and airport infrastructure. Through a combination of intelligence-led policing, advanced surveillance, and collaborative security protocols continue to play a crucial role in protecting the country’s borders against transnational crime.

"Airports Company South Africa is proud to work alongside SAPS and other law enforcement agencies to maintain the integrity and safety of our airports," said ACSA Group Executive for Corporate Services, Ms. Laurene Less. “The work done by our partners at O.R. Tambo International Airport continues to demonstrate our collective commitment to disrupting organised crime and securing our borders.”

ACSA reiterates its zero-tolerance approach to any form of criminal activity at its airports and continues to support intelligence-driven security operations. The company also applauds the SAPS’s wider efforts, including the dismantling of clandestine drug labs and the destruction of narcotics worth R5.2 billion over the past three years.