19 April 2006
Customs officials of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) this morning
successfully intercepted a large shipment of narcotics that were being smuggled
into the country via the Johannesburg International Airport (JIA).
The narcotics believed to be cocaine were concealed as part of cargo freight
on a South African Airways flight from Sao Paulo airport in Brazil to
Johannesburg.
At this stage no arrests have been made.
The flight landed shortly after 6 am this morning. Customs officials risk
profiled the shipment and physically searched the contents. Inspections found
that the narcotics were concealed in the wooden handles of female handbags.
The drugs are estimated to total more 20 kilograms and at this stage is
believed to have an estimated street value of more than R9 million. The
confiscation followed on similar successes by the South African Police Service
at JIA during the last 24 hours.
To date this is one of the largest consignments intercepted by SARS Customs
at JIA. The large quantity demonstrates the threat syndicated crime and the
smuggling of illicit items, including narcotics, pose to South Africa and its
communities.
It also highlights the importance for SARS to further improve its border and
trade control capabilities within its Customs Operations.
SARS investigators together with the Police will investigate the matter
further. The consignment will be handed over to SAPS for verification once
preliminary investigations have been concluded.
Enquiries:
Adrian Lackay
Tel: (012) 422 4206
Cell: 083 388 2580
Issued by: South African Revenue Service
19 April 2006
