Drugs declared as artwork, teabags, toys, meds and toilet seats seized at OR Tambo airport

The Hawks seized drugs with an estimated street value of R1 million at the OR Tambo International Airport which had been declared as artwork, teabags, baby toys, medication and toilet seats.

Hawks spokesperson Captain Ndivhuwo Mulamu said the drugs were seized at the airport’s cargo on Monday and Tuesday and that “investigations [are] ongoing”.

According to images shared by the South African Police Service (SAPS), some of the drugs were concealed in toilet seats, a rhino sculpture and a kitchen toy set.

Mulamu said the Hawks had worked with the South African Revenue Service (Sars) customs when the drugs were seized at OR Tambo airport on Monday and at Meadowdale on Tuesday.

“In two separate incidents, Hawks received information regarding suspicious shipment at DHL OR Tambo International Airport Cargo and FedEx in Meadowdale destined for Australia, Netherlands, and Canada.

“The consignments which were declared as artwork, teabags, toys, medication and toilet seats were seized. About 3kg of heroin and 500g of crystal meth with an estimated value of R1.5 million was uncovered.

“Investigation on this matter is continuing and perpetrators are sought by the police.”

Meanwhile, the Hawks in KwaZulu-Natal on Tuesday seized drugs worth an estimated R154 million at Simithi Eco Estate.

It is expected that the estimated value of the drugs will increase as investigations continue.

Hawks spokesperson in the province Captain Simphiwe Mhlongo could not be reached for further details.

(Compiled by Makhosandile Zulu)

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