Pretoria, Friday, 14 June 2019 – Customs officials this week intercepted drugs with a combined value of approximately R12 million in three separate incidents at the Oliver Tambo International Airport (ORTIA).

On Wednesday, 12 June 2019, Customs officials intercepted a male passenger attempting to smuggle just over 3 kg heroin, with an estimated value of R9,2 million,  out of the country.

The passenger was stopped and interviewed by Customs officials as he was boarding a flight to Europe. He was requested to accompany them to a designated area where he was asked to unlock his bags, which had been checked in and retrieved. In the Customs search area his bags were scanned and searched meticulously.

The Customs team found hidden objects in false compartments of the bags, which tested positive for heroin. He was arrested by members of the South African Police Service (CAS 106/06/2019).

In another incident, Customs officials placed a detention on cargo which arrived in Johannesburg from Lagos on 13 June, following on information received from the Crime Intelligence unit of the SA Police Service (SAPS CI).

Upon inspection, and with the assistance of detector dogs, four packages were collected containing 4 kg of ephedrine (crystal meth) with a street value of R2,2 million. The packages were handed over to members of SAPS’ Directorate of Priority Crime Investigations (Hawks).

A parcel of ephedrine valued at R630 000 was also found in a Mail Centre at ORTIA. The parcel, weighing 2,8 kg, will be handed over to the Police for further investigation as well.

SARS pulled off these successes in collaborative efforts with the SAPS Crime Intelligence unit and other related departments.