Elderly man arrested at Cape Town Airport in second drug bust in 24 hours

Zuko Komisa

A 69-year-old man was arrested at Cape Town International Airport for allegedly attempting to smuggle 183 bushes of khat worth over R10,000.
The suspect was intercepted by a multi-agency operation while attempting to export the drugs to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
This is the second drug mule arrest at the airport within a 24-hour period, with the suspect due in Bellville court tomorrow.

An integrated, multi-agency operation at Cape Town International Airport has led to the arrest of another suspected drug mule, the second such incident in just 24 hours.

On 8 October 2025, a 69-year-old man was intercepted by authorities who were acting on intelligence suggesting he was attempting to smuggle drugs out of the country.

The man, who was allegedly travelling to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), was found with 183 bushes of khat hidden in his suitcase. The confiscated drugs are estimated to have a street value of over R10,000.

The bust was the result of a collaborative effort involving members of the Hawks’ South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau, the Bellville Border Police Anti-Smuggling Team, Crime Intelligence Gauteng, SARS Customs, and the Border Management Authority.

The suspect is scheduled to make his first appearance in the Bellville Magistrate’s Court on 10 October.