Johannesburg – In a significant operation, Customs officers from the South African Revenue Service (SARS) at OR Tambo International Airport seized a substantial quantity of narcotics, hidden within items labeled as molded artwork. The total haul, weighing 23 kilograms, is estimated to have a street value of R37 million.

According to South African Government News Agency, the discovery was made last week during routine inspections at the airport’s cargo sheds. Customs officers came across a suspicious box destined for New Zealand, containing items of molded artwork. Upon closer examination and testing with a narcotics kit, some of these items were found to contain crystal meth, totaling 10 kilograms. Further testing by the South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed the presence of fentanyl in other items, amounting to 13 kilograms. The seized narcotics were handed over to SAPS for further investigation.

Commissioner Kieswetter commended the alertness and diligence of the customs officers involved in detecting the narcotics. He emphasized SARS Customs’ unwavering commitment to thwarting the export and import of narcotics and other illegal substances, which have detrimental effects on families and youth. Kieswetter warned drug smugglers about the division’s resolve to combat the drug trade, highlighting their readiness to act decisively and without bias against those involved in these criminal activities. He asserted that perpetrators would face the full might of the law.