Customs officials from the South African Revenue Service (SARS) have seized 23 kilogrammes of drugs cleverly disguised as molded artwork at the cargo sheds of OR Tambo International Airport this week.
The estimated street value of the seized drugs is R37 million.
During their routine inspection rounds, Customs officers discovered a box destined for New Zealand containing molded artwork that raised suspicions. Utilising a narcotics test kit, officers confirmed that some of the items were positive for crystal meth, with a weight of 10 kilogrammes.
Subsequent tests conducted by the South African Police Service (SAPS) on other items in the box revealed a positive result for fentanyl, totaling 13 kilogrammes. The seized narcotics have been handed over to SAPS for further investigation.
SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter commended the Customs officers for their vigilance in uncovering the illicit narcotics.
He emphasized that SARS Customs remains committed to preventing the export or import of drugs and illegal substances that inflict pain and hardship on families, especially the youth.
“Drug smugglers must know that our Customs Division is fully committed to this objective, and will act without fear or favour against those criminals involved in the drugs trade. They must know that they will face the full might of the law,” Kieswetter said.
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