Faizel Patel – 04/02/2021
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) customs officials say they have seized rhino horn with an estimated value of R53 172 000, in a shipment destined for Malaysia.
It’s understood officials made the discovery after the Customs Detector Dog Unit at O.R.Tambo International Airport selected a suspicious shipment declared as ‘HP Cartridges Developers’.
Sars says the three-piece shipment was taken to the X-ray scanner for inspection where the image reflected objects resembling the shape of rhino horns.
“The shipment was taken for physical inspection and upon inspection of the boxes, 18 pieces of rhino horn were found concealed in traditional clothing. The goods weighed 63kg.”
Sars says the Directorate of Priority Crimes Investigation (Hawks) confiscated the shipment for further investigation.
Commissioner Edward Kieswetter congratulated the Customs officers for their excellent work.
“Those that are determined to destroy the rich natural endowment of our country, which is a common treasure and heritage for all, that we should look after for future generations, will be met with unwavering commitment of our officers to enforce the law.”
This is the fourth rhino horn bust by SARS Customs at the O.R.Tambo International Airport between July 2020 and February 2021 with over 277.30 kg of Rhino horns seized with an estimated value of R 234 114 206.
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