Police arrested a Dutch national at OR Tambo International Airport on Sunday morning after discovering 60kg of khat concealed in luggage destined for London, reports The Witness.

According to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration website, khat is a flowering evergreen shrub abused for its stimulant effect. It has two active ingredients, cathine and cathinone. The plant is native to East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, and has stimulant effects similar to amphetamine-type substances. It is typically chewed like tobacco and kept in the cheek to release the active drug.

Earlier on Sunday, a Brazilian national was intercepted at the same airport with cocaine valued at R8.7 million, in what police say are back-to-back successes against drug trafficking networks.

The cocaine arrest was made shortly after the suspect arrived from Brazil. Multiple blocks of cocaine wrapped and concealed were discovered in the traveller’s luggage.

Police said the seizures form part of intensified operations involving airport security, border officials and customs authorities to clamp down on the movement of illicit drugs through one of Africa’s busiest airports.

Both suspects are expected to appear in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court this week.

Major drug busts in various provinces in past week

According to various press releases, the SAPS confiscated the following drugs in various provinces:

• 3 171kg dagga in Limpopo
• 90kg dagga valued at R500 000 in Dutywa in the Eastern Cape
• Drugs such as crystal meth and Mandrax worth R35 000 in Bloemfontein
• Medicine valued at R85 500 from an unregistered pharmacy in Duncan Village, East London
• 1,5kg cocaine and crystal methamphetamine with an estimated value of R1.5m at OR Tambo Airport on April 25

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