4 days ago
Sleepy Karoo town rocked by major drug bust
A police operation in the Central Karoo has led to a major drug seizure and arrest, following the discovery of a large consignment of khat on a long-distance passenger bus.
Members of the SAPS Flying Squad conducted a vehicle checkpoint (VCP) near Prince Albert Road, where they stopped and searched the bus.
According to Sergeant Christopher Spie, spokesperson for Southern Cape police, the search revealed 13 boxes containing 2 940 bundles of khat, with an estimated street value of R290 000.
Further investigation linked the illegal cargo to a 47-year-old male passenger, who was arrested on the scene.
He remains in custody and is expected to appear in court on drug dealing charges.
The Western Cape police management has commended the Flying Squad's swift and effective response, reaffirming their commitment to curbing drug trafficking in the region.
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. Khat. Image: SAPS
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.
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