Police at OR Tambo International Airport have arrested a Netherlands national with 60kg of khat concealed in his luggage, less than 24 hours after intercepting a Brazilian trafficker with cocaine worth R8.7 million.
The suspect was intercepted on Sunday morning as he prepared to board a flight to London. An inspection of his luggage revealed the 60kg of khat concealed inside.
The arrest follows Saturday’s detention of a Brazilian national (26) found with multiple blocks of cocaine with an estimated street value of R8.7 million.
The back-to-back arrests demonstrate the effectiveness of operations by the South African Police Service working with Airport Company South Africa security, Border Management Authority officials and South African Revenue Service customs at ports of entry.
Police at OR Tambo International Airport have recorded several successes in recent months in intercepting drug traffickers attempting to smuggle narcotics into the country.
The operations underscore law enforcement’s commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks and safeguarding South Africa’s borders against transnational organised crime.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court this week on charges relating to drug trafficking.
ALSO READ: Brazilian national arrested at OR Tambo with cocaine worth R8.7 million
