Airport Police Foil Drug Smuggling Attempt by Dutch National

Published on

25 May 2026

A Dutch national is set to appear in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court today after being arrested at OR Tambo International Airport last week for alleged drug trafficking.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the suspect was intercepted while he was preparing to board a flight to Frankfurt, Germany.

Police spokesperson Amanda van Wyk said more than 40 kilograms of khat hidden in the man’s luggage were seized during the operation. The drugs are estimated to be worth around R240,000 on the street.

“SAPS continues to intensify efforts to combat transnational organised crime and drug trafficking through intelligence-led operations at all ports of entry across the country.”

Van Wyk confirmed that authorities have arrested over 50 drug mules at OR Tambo International Airport in the last two years.

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.