Drugs disguised as artworks worth R 37 million seized at OR Tambo
The officers used a narcotics test kit and some of the items tested positive for crystal meth, which weighed 10kg.
Customs officers of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) at OR Tambo International Airport seized approximately 23kg of narcotics with an estimated street value of R37m, disguised as moulded artwork.
The drugs were found at the cargo sheds of the OR Tambo International Airport on January 6.
The customs officers were doing their inspection rounds when they discovered a box destined for New Zealand.
The box contained items of moulded artwork, which looked suspicious.
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The officers used a narcotics test kit, and some items tested positive for crystal meth, which weighed 10kg.
A test of the SAPS on other items tested positive for fentanyl, which weighed 13kg.
The narcotics were handed over to the SAPS for further investigation.
Edward Kieswetter, SARS commissioner, praised the vigilance of the customs officers who detected the narcotics.
“SARS customs will spare no effort in stopping the export or import of narcotics and any illegal substance which causes so much pain and hardship for families, particularly their youth.
“Drug smugglers must know our customs division is fully committed to this objective and will act without fear or favour against criminals involved in the drugs trade.
They must know they will face the full might of the law,” said Kieswetter.
