OR Tambo: Dutch Khat Smuggler Arrested Before London Flight

Johannesburg – Authorities at OR Tambo International Airport have apprehended a Dutch citizen carrying 60kg of the illegal substance Khat hidden in his luggage.

The suspected drug trafficker from the Netherlands was preparing to board a flight to London on Sunday morning when he was stopped at the airport.

Upon inspection, 60kg of khat was discovered concealed in his belongings.

Khat is a flowering plant indigenous to East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, whose leaves and young shoots are chewed or brewed for their stimulating and euphoric properties.

“This arrest comes less than 24 hours after the capture of a Brazilian national found with cocaine valued at approximately R8.7 million at the same airport,” stated police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe.

RELATED: Drug Trafficker Arrested At OR Tambo With R8.7 Million Worth Of Cocaine – The Bulrushes

She remarked that these recent arrests highlight the vigilance and enhanced operations of the South African Police Service (SAPS), working in coordination with the Airports Company of South Africa security, Border Management Authority officials, and South African Revenue Service customs at entry points.

“The back-to-back achievements in intercepting drug traffickers illustrate the country’s resolute stance against transnational organized crime and law enforcement’s dedication to securing South Africa’s borders,” noted Brigadier Mathe.

“SAPS will persist in intensifying its efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks and ensure that offenders face the full force of the law.”

The Dutch drug mule is expected to appear in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court this week on drug trafficking charges.