Chronology of cocaine-plane crackdowns

Interceptions and investigations involving Brazil and South Africa.

June and July 2025

Authorities in Brazil investigate a gang involved in trafficking cocaine on planes from the airport in São Paulo to locations including Johannesburg. Brazilian media reports that a key suspect is arrested. His legal representatives say his arrest is based on assumptions, not evidence.

25 August 2026

The South African Revenue Service announces that a 333kg cocaine consignment is intercepted at OR Tambo International Airport on a flight arriving from São Paulo. The cocaine is worth about R167-million.

22 September 2026

Brazil's Federal Revenue Service seizes a 116kg cocaine consignment concealed in three suitcases at São Paulo International Airport in Guarulhos. The consignment was meant to be loaded onto an aircraft destined for Johannesburg, South Africa.

7 October 2026

Police in Brazil announced that they have ramped up investigations into international cocaine trafficking from the São Paulo airport. This includes carrying out 29 search warrants.

9 October 2026

Brazil's Federal Police seizes about 15 kilograms of cocaine at the São Paulo airport. It was hidden in a piece of baking equipment and destined for South Africa.

25 October 2026

Cocaine worth more than R200m is intercepted at OR Tambo International Airport in five pieces of luggage from São Paulo.