Khat hidden in three suitcases: 67-year-old arrested at Cape Town airport

The suspect was arrested on Monday, October 26, during an intelligence operation.

A 67-year-old foreign national is expected to appear in the Bellville Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, after he was caught with drugs at the Cape Town International Airport. 

The suspect was arrested during an intelligence-driven operation between the Hawks’ South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau (SANEB), and the Cape Town International Airport Police. 

The suspect faces charges of dealing in drugs. 

The Western Cape spokesperson for the Hawks, Lieutenant Colonel Siyabulela Vukubi, said members received a tip-off about drugs being smuggled. 

“The members of SANEB received information regarding a foreign national who was smuggling drugs at the Cape Town International Airport. Swift reaction by police led to his arrest after khat was found concealed in three of his suitcases. The value of the drugs is estimated to be worth R21, 000,” Vukubi said. 

This comes after a major drug bust at OR Tambo International Airport in Gauteng. 

A multidisciplinary law enforcement team intercepted approximately 250kg of cocaine with an estimated street value of more than R200 million at the airport over the weekend. 

SAPS spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said the drugs were packed in 216 blocks across five luggage bags.

The interception involved members of the South African Police Service (SAPS), South African Revenue Service (SARS) Customs and Border Management Authority (BMA).

Police said 116 drug mules had been arrested at OR Tambo International Airport over the past 24 months.