13 August 2015 – Drugs found in ironing boards at ORTIA mail centre

Pretoria, 13 August 2015 – Ephedrine worth over R2 million was discovered hidden in ironing boards at the OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) mail centre yesterday (12 August 2015).

While conducting random inspections at the mail centre, a Customs officer spotted a parcel coming from India declared as ironing boards. Importation of ironing boards through the mail raised her suspicion and the officer decided to check the parcel thoroughly.

When she opened the parcel, she noticed that the ironing boards trimmings were tampered with and she cut the bottom lining open. Each ironing board contained a packet of ephedrine (Crystal Meth). The total weight of the drug was 7 kg with an estimated street value of R2.1 million.

The substance was handed over to SAPS for further investigation.

This is the second seizure of ephedrine concealed in parcels at the Mail Centre in two consecutive days.

These are major seizures by SARS Customs who implement daily inspections at all Ports of Entry in an effort to foil the smuggling of prohibited goods and close the gap on illicit financial flows. SARS will continue to work with other law enforcement agencies to protect the country and its citizens by disrupting organised crime and reducing illicit trade activities.