Big drug bust in quiet Karoo town
Police seized a large quantity of khat and made an arrest after discovering the consignment on a passenger bus.
A police operation in the Central Karoo resulted in a major drug bust and arrest after officers discovered a large consignment of khat on a long-distance passenger bus.
SAPS Flying Squad members set up a vehicle checkpoint near Prince Albert Road, where they stopped and searched the bus.
Sergeant Christopher Spie, spokesperson for Southern Cape police, said the officers found 13 boxes holding 2 940 bundles of khat, with an estimated street value of R290 000.
Suspect arrested
Investigators traced the illegal cargo to a 47-year-old male passenger and arrested him on the scene.
He remains in custody and will appear in court on drug dealing charges.
Western Cape police management praised the Flying Squad for their swift and effective action, reaffirming their commitment to combating drug trafficking in the region.
What is Khat?
Khat is a stimulant derived from a flowering plant native to East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.
Its active ingredient, cathinone, produces effects similar to amphetamines – such as euphoria and heightened alertness – but is associated with serious health risks including heart problems and mental health issues.
Although banned in South Africa, khat is still illegally trafficked into parts of the Western Cape.
Where is Prince Albert?
Prince Albert is a small town in the Western Cape.
It is located on the southern edge of the Great Karoo, at the foot of the Swartberg mountains.
In recent years the moniker the “Franschhoek of the Karoo” has been used to describe the town’s appeal to the art community and wealthier South Africans, many of whom have become residents of the town.