CAPE TOWN: South African Revenue Service (SARS) officials on Thursday discovered 267kg of ivory at OR Tambo International Airport in transit to Vietnam from Zimbabwe. According to a SARS statement‚ “it is estimated to have a street value of R4m‚ which is one of the biggest interceptions by SARS of smuggled ivory”.
The discovery occurred “during the profiling of shipments … when officials noticed a pallet containing numerous plastic shrink-wrapped boxes”. The supporting documents declared that the goods contained inside were “handicrafts” originating from Zimbabwe and destined for Vietnam.
An inspection revealed “ivory tusks among shredded paper” and as “no Cites permits were issued for the consignment‚ (it was) a clear attempt to smuggle the goods”. A case has been opened with the South African Police Service for further investigation.
