67-Year-Old Foreign National Caught with Khat at Cape Town Airport

Published on

27 October 2026

Foreign national arrested at Airport — This image is for illustrative purposes only

A tip-off about suspected drug smuggling has led to the arrest of a 67-year-old foreign national at Cape Town International Airport.

The Hawks confirmed that the man was arrested on Monday, 26 October, after officers discovered khat worth an estimated R21 000 concealed in three suitcases.

The arrest followed a joint operation between the Hawks’ South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau (SANEB) and Cape Town International Airport police.

“The members of SANEB received information regarding a foreign national who was smuggling drugs at the Cape Town International Airport,” the Hawks said.

Police acted on the information, searched the suspect’s luggage and uncovered the drugs.

The man is facing charges of dealing in drugs. He is expected to appear in the Bellville Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 28 October.

Loushe Jordaan-Gilbert

Loushé Jordaan Gilbert has been telling community stories since 2014. She began her career as a community journalist, dedicated to amplifying local voices and shedding light on the everyday realities communities face.