Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News – 11-01-2019

(Twitter: @FaizelPatel143)

SARS Customs officials have seized a consignment of rhino horns worth over R23 million at the OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA).

It’s understood the 36 pieces of rhino horn were discovered yesterday after a detector dog reacted positively to a consignment of so-called ‘decoration Items’ in a warehouse.

Officials say the horns, destined for Dubai and were hidden underneath cut laminated wooden sheets in four of the boxes which were otherwise filled with doormats and decorative items.

SARS Sicelo Mkosi says the inspection at the warehouse formed part of an initiative to increase enforcement activities on cargo for outbound flights.

“This is an ongoing enforcement campaign. But what is more important about the Dubai story, we don’t believe it. I think it’s just a decoy, these things were destined for the Far East. We have had intel to that effect.”