Thursday October 24, 2024
FILE - Bundles of Khat, a stimulant commonly used in East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Authorities have been cracking down on illegal imports of the plant due to its classification as a controlled substance in many countries.
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (HOL) — Johannesburg police arrested a Somali national early Monday after seizing 100 kilograms of Khat worth approximately $19,750 in a targeted drug operation. The suspect, 39-year-old Mohamed Deeq Abdulahi Aadam, was apprehended at a BP garage on the Oasis M1 highway following an intelligence-led operation aimed at curbing narcotics trafficking.
The operation, coordinated by the Hawks (South Africa's Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation) alongside Free State and Gauteng Crime Intelligence, began around 4 a.m. Officers, acting on a tip-off, identified Aadam's red Hyundai Elantra and discovered 14 boxes of Khat concealed within the vehicle.
"The search led to the recovery of approximately 100 kilograms of Khat, with an estimated street value of $19,750," said police spokesperson Warrant Officer Thatohatsi Mavimbela.
Aadam has been charged with drug-related offences and made his first appearance at the Booysens Magistrate's Court on Wednesday. The court postponed the case to Friday for further investigation.
In light of the arrest, Major General Ebrahim Kadwa, the provincial head of the Hawks in Gauteng, underscored the broader threat posed by narcotics trafficking.
"This operation highlights the dangers posed by drug trafficking to public safety and health," Kadwa said. "Substance abuse often leads to addiction, serious health issues, and can fuel criminal activity. Our law enforcement agencies remain vigilant and committed to fighting drug-related crimes."
Authorities continue to investigate the case, and further arrests may follow as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt drug trafficking networks in the region.