Man, 35, Caught with 5 kg of Cocaine

A 35-year-old man arriving at Cape Town International Airport from Doha was caught with 5.1 kg of a substance believed to be cocaine.

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) reported that the suspected drugs were hidden in his shirts within his checked luggage.

The estimated street value of the drugs is R2.2 million.

Hawks spokesperson, Zinzi Hani, mentioned that a 52-year-old man, allegedly involved in collecting the drug mule, was also taken into custody.

Both individuals are scheduled to make their first appearance at the Bellville Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 10 October 2025.

In a separate operation on the same day, a 69-year-old man was intercepted with 183 bushes of khat in his suitcase, valued at more than R10,000. He is suspected of attempting to export drugs from South Africa to the United Arab Emirates.

The Hawks emphasized the collaboration of various agencies in these arrests, including the South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau (Bellville), the Border Police Cape Town International Airport Anti-Smuggling Team, Crime Intelligence Gauteng, SARS Customs Cape Town International Airport, and the Border Management Authority.

Hani stated: “This coordinated effort illustrates the dedication of law enforcement agencies to tackle drug trafficking and smuggling in South Africa.”

The 69-year-old suspect is also expected to appear in the Bellville Magistrate’s Court this Friday.