A 46-year-old man has been arrested at Cape Town International Airport after police allegedly found more than 50kg of suspected khat in his luggage.
The arrest happened on Saturday afternoon inside the airport’s Central Terminal Building.
Members of the SAPS Border Policing unit were reportedly alerted to suspicious behaviour near one of the departure counters.
Police said officers approached the man shortly after midday.
A search of his luggage allegedly uncovered about 50.7kg of suspected khat packed across three suitcases.
The suspect was taken into custody and later detained at Ravensmead SAPS on charges linked to drug dealing.
Court appearance expected
SAPS said the man is expected to appear in the Bellville Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
In an official statement, police said officers were conducting routine patrols at around 12:20 pm when they received information about a suspicious person inside the terminal.
The street value of the seized khat has not yet been confirmed.
Investigators are still probing where the drugs came from and where they were allegedly being taken.
Authorities believe the arrest points to continued attempts by traffickers to use major transport hubs to move illegal substances.
SAPS praises airport police
Acting Western Cape Provincial Commissioner Major General Luyanda Damoyi praised the officers involved in the operation.
“SAPS remains committed to preventing the movement of illicit substances through our ports of entry and transport hubs,” Damoyi said.
“This arrest highlights the importance of proactive policing and the dedication of our members in combating drug-related crime.”
Police said operations targeting organised crime and smuggling networks at Cape Town International Airport are ongoing.
The arrest follows several recent drug busts across Cape Town.
Khat remains controlled
Crossroads Recovery Centres describes khat as a plant-based stimulant that is chewed in parts of East Africa and the Middle East for its mild euphoric effect.
However, the substance remains tightly controlled in South Africa under drug-related laws.
Possession and distribution are illegal without authorisation.
The latest arrest has sparked debate online, with some social media users praising airport police and others questioning why khat is illegal.
Law enforcement agencies have increased monitoring at airports, harbours and border crossings as smuggling networks look for ways to move narcotics.