South African Revenue Service (SARS) customs officers seized 23kg of narcotics disguised as moulded artwork at the cargo sheds at OR Tambo International Airport (Ortia) last week.
In a statement issued by SARS on Saturday January 6, Sars commissioner Edward Kieswetter said the drugs, which included crystal meth and fentanyl, had an estimated street value of R37 million.
He said the customs officers had been conducting inspections when they came across a box headed for New Zealand. It contained items of moulded artwork, which roused the officers’ suspicions, so they tested some of the items which tested positive for crystal meth, which weighed 10kg, added Mr Kieswetter.
Tests done by the SAPS on other items tested positive for fentanyl which weighed 13kg. The narcotics were handed over to the SAPS for further investigation.
“Sars customs will spare no effort in stopping the export or import of narcotics or any illegal substance which cause so much pain and hardship for families, particularly the youth,” said Mr Kieswetter.
“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.”
