New Year sees drug busts worth R4.3 million
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) Customs has intercepted seven kilograms of ephedrine and 86 litres of ecstasy worth a total of R4.3 million at OR Tambo International Airport during the first week of 2017.
SARS spokesperson Janine Mqulwana says a suspected drug trafficker was arrested when a SARS customs officer confiscated 7.2kg of ephedrine to the value of R2.16 million from the suspect's baggage on Monday.
"The customs officer found containers filled with a white crystal substance which tested positively for ephedrine, the principal ingredient in the manufacture of crystal methamphetamine. The reaction of a customs sniffer dog also confirmed the presence of narcotics," says Mqulwana.
Mqulwana says a woman enquired about the parcel and was taken in for questioning before being arrested.
In another incident, narcotic dogs reacted positively to a consignment of boxes that contained a liquid which tested positive for ecstasy on Wednesday.
Mqulwana says a total of 86 litres was discovered with an estimated street value of R2.15 million.
"Both consignments were en route from Nigeria," says Mqulwana.