SAPS Arrest Dutch National At OR Tambo Airport In R240 000 Drug Bust

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has arrested a suspected drug mule at OR Tambo International Airport following another major drug bust linked to international trafficking operations.

Police said the arrest was made during an intelligence-driven operation conducted this week at the airport in Kempton Park, Johannesburg. Authorities confiscated more than 40 kilograms of khat allegedly hidden inside the suspect’s luggage.

OR Tambo Airport Drug Bust Leads To Arrest Of Dutch National

Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk said the suspect is a Dutch national from the Netherlands. He was reportedly travelling to Frankfurt, Germany, when officers intercepted him at the airport.

“During the operation, police seized more than 40 kilograms of Khat concealed inside the suspect’s luggage. The drugs have an estimated street value of R240 000.”

The suspect is expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 25 May 2026, facing charges linked to drug trafficking.

Van Wyk said SAPS continues to strengthen operations aimed at tackling transnational organised crime and drug trafficking at South Africa’s ports of entry.

According to police, more than 50 drug mules have been intercepted and arrested at OR Tambo International Airport over the past two years through intelligence-led operations.

The latest arrest follows several similar cases involving passengers allegedly attempting to smuggle khat through the country’s busiest airport.

Gauteng Police Previously Arrested Two More Drug Mules

Last month, Gauteng police arrested two additional suspected drug traffickers at OR Tambo International Airport with assistance from Airports Company South Africa.

Police said the operation took place on Monday, 27 April 2026, after officers received intelligence about suspects allegedly planning to travel to Frankfurt and London via Doha.

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“On the evening of 27 April 2026, Saps members deployed at the airport acted on information regarding suspected drug traffickers allegedly planning to travel to Frankfurt and London via Doha.”

“The members successfully intercepted a 66-year-old Somali national who was reportedly in possession of a Netherlands passport. A search of the suspect’s luggage led to the discovery of 55 kilograms of khat, with an estimated street value of more than R100 000,” van Wyk said.

Van Wyk added that police also found abandoned luggage at the airport on the same day. The bags allegedly contained around 45 kilograms of khat valued at more than R90 000.