The South African Revenue Service reported that customs agents seized a 785 kilogram shipment of crystal meth worth R236 million at the OR Tambo International Airport over the weekend (SARS).
SARS stated in a statement that the pelleted goods intercepted was bound for Australia.
“Upon physical inspection, it was discovered that the shipment, which was declared as multi-purpose anti-slip mat, had been utilized to conceal 785 kilograms of crystal meth with a street value of R236 million,” stated the revenue collector.
After this success, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (Hawks) of the South African Police Service was informed of the detection and seizure, and the commodities were turned over to them for further investigation.
Edward Kieswetter, the commissioner of SARS, praised the customs officers for preventing the shipment of the drugs.
“I want to send a clear message to the criminal syndicates that are utilizing our ports of entry/exit to commit this type of crime, that our police are vigilant and working diligently to eradicate this form of criminality.
“The strong cooperation with other law enforcement organizations at these ports enables us all to deliver a fatal blow to these criminal activities,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za