A Netherlands national has been arrested at OR Tambo International Airport after police discovered 60kg of khat hidden in his luggage. Image: SAPS
Netherlands
1Min
South Africa
Drug trafficker nabbed with 60kg of Khat at OR Tambo Airport
A Netherlands national has been arrested at OR Tambo International Airport after police discovered 60kg of khat hidden in his luggage, marking another major breakthrough in a weekend crackdown on drug trafficking.
Police have arrested a Netherlands national at OR Tambo International Airport after intercepting him with 60kg of khat concealed in his luggage.
The suspect was preparing to board a flight to London on Sunday morning when authorities stopped and searched his bags, uncovering the large quantity of the illicit substance.
The arrest comes less than 24 hours after another major bust at the same airport, where a Brazilian national was caught with cocaine valued at an estimated R8.7 million.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the back-to-back arrests highlight intensified efforts to combat drug trafficking at ports of entry. Authorities have credited the success to coordinated operations involving SAPS, Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) security, Border Management Authority (BMA) officials, and SARS customs.
Police say the arrests demonstrate heightened vigilance and a firm stance against transnational organised crime, as law enforcement agencies continue to tighten security at the country’s borders.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court later this week on charges related to drug trafficking.
