19 August 2015 – R8m worth of crystal meth found in woman’s luggage

Pretoria, 18 August 2015 – Crystal meth (tik) worth over R8 million was discovered hidden in the lining of a passenger’s baggage at the OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) yesterday,18 August 2015.

The female passenger, who had just disembarked from a flight from Dubai, was stopped and her bag was scanned. The Customs officer grew suspicious as her bag only had a few items and yet was particularly heavy, so her luggage was sent for a further search.

After unpacking the bag, Customs officers scanned the bag again, detecting a concentrated matter. Officers also noticed a strong scent of glue so decided to cut the lining. They then discovered 26.8 kilograms of Crystal Meth, worth R8 040 000 concealed underneath the lining. The passenger and her luggage were handed over to SAPS for further investigation.

This is the second seizure of Crystal Meth at ORTIA in two consecutive days.

On 17 August, Customs officers inspected a parcel which had just arrived at the mail centre from India. They then discovered 3.4kg of Crystal Meth (Ephedrine) worth R1m hidden in desk pen holders. The parcel was handed over to SAPS for further investigation.

Also at the ORTIA mail centre on 17 August 2015, Detector Dog Angel reacted positively to a parcel destined for the USA. On physical inspection, Customs officers discovered 55.2kg of dried Khat leaves valued at R36 818. The parcel was handed over to SAPS for further investigation.

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.