R7-million currency bust at King Shaka Airport
Baggage handlers became suspicious when three suitcases scheduled for loading onto a departing Emirates flight to Amman via Dubai were being removed from the international arrivals hall.
THE South African Revenue Services (SARS) customs officials intercepted a consignment of currency worth R7-million at King Shaka International Airport in Durban on Sunday. This is the airport’s largest currency bust this year.
Customs officers together with a baggage handler became suspicious when three suitcases scheduled for loading onto a departing Emirates flight to Amman via Dubai were being removed from the international arrivals hall.
“Upon investigation, it was established that the owner of the bags requested a change on the bags’ final destination without making a declaration to Customs. When officials directed the bags for a luggage scan, the images identified were neither clothing nor personal items but South African Rand bank notes with a total of R7 049 320 in the suitcases,” the revenue service said in a statement.
“The passenger and consignment were handed over to SAPS for possible criminal prosecution.
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