Dutch man arrested at OR Tambo airport with 60kg of khat

Drug trafficker

Johannesburg – A Netherlands national has been arrested at OR Tambo International Airport after being found in possession of 60kg of khat concealed in his luggage, the South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed.

The suspect was intercepted on Sunday morning while preparing to board a flight to London.

Upon inspection of his luggage, police uncovered the drugs hidden inside.

“His luggage was inspected and 60kg of khat was found concealed inside,” police said. 

“This was less than 24 hours after the arrest of a Brazilian national found with cocaine worth an estimated R8.7 million at the same airport,” marking a series of significant breakthroughs in drug trafficking cases over the long weekend.

Police said the back-to-back arrests highlight heightened vigilance and coordinated operations involving SAPS, Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), Border Management Authority (BMA) officials and SARS customs at ports of entry.

Authorities emphasised that the interceptions reflect South Africa’s firm stance against transnational organised crime and ongoing efforts to secure its borders.

The suspect is expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court this week on charges related to drug trafficking, while investigations continue.

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