A 46-year-old man is expected to appear in the Bellville Magistrate’s Court on Monday after he was arrested at Cape Town International Airport with more than 50 kilograms of suspected khat concealed in his luggage.

The suspect was arrested on Saturday after members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) Border Policing Unit responded to information about a suspicious person at one of the airport’s departure counters.

According to SAPS, officers approached the man and, with his consent, searched his luggage. They discovered about 50.7 kilograms of suspected khat hidden inside three suitcases.

The man was arrested and detained at Ravensmead SAPS on a charge of dealing in drugs. The street value of the seized substance has not yet been determined as investigations continue.

Acting Western Cape Provincial Commissioner Major General Luyanda Damoyi praised the officers involved in the arrest.

“SAPS remains committed to preventing the movement of illicit substances through our ports of entry and transport hubs. This arrest highlights the importance of proactive policing and the dedication of our members in combating drug-related crime.”