Cocaine worth over R2m seized at OR Tambo
Someone in London will not get their "presents" this holiday, after Sars officials confiscated cocaine with an estimated street value of R2 million at OR Tambo International Airport.
The cocaine, in liquid form, had been wrapped up and tagged to look like Christmas presents, the SA Revenue Service said in a statement.
It was found at the airport on Tuesday, in wine bottles in two parcels. Sars spokesperson Sandile Memela said the two parcels were being shipped to London.
“The liquid inside the bottles seemed thicker than wine. Closer inspection showed tampering with the mouth of the bottle and cracks sealed with glue. The liquid was consequently removed, tested, and found to be cocaine.”
The matter was handed to police for investigation.
Since the beginning of December, criminals had been trying to find innovative ways of smuggling their loot across borders.
Last week, a man from eastern Zimbabwe was caught trying to smuggle 72 diamonds out of the country in his underwear, a state-owned newspaper reported. According to the Manica Post the diamonds were worth U$ 14 335.
Earlier in December, customs officials found gold worth R3-million in a man's pockets after noticing a suspicious bulge in his pants. He was hiding it under a kurta - a long collarless shirt.
(File photo: AFP)